Evaluating the health and fitness benefits of a 6-month FES-cycling program on a recumbent trike for individuals with motor complete SCI: a pilot study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12984-025-01585-0
• Publication Date: 2025-03-10T08:58:37Z
• Authors: N. Sanna; R. Nossa; E. Biffi; E. Guanziroli; E. Diella; S. Ferrante; F. Molteni; D. Peruzzo; N. Casali; A. Mastropietro; G. Rizzo; M. Tarabini; A. Pedrocchi; E. Ambrosini
• Keywords: Cycling

Spinal cord injury (SCI) severely affects physical function, leading to muscle atrophy and reduced bone density. Sport-therapy, incorporating recreational competitive activities, has shown promise in enhancing recovery for individuals with SCI. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)-cycling combines exercise benefits stimulation advantages, recent integration mobile recumbent trikes adds further potential. This study aimed evaluate the effects of a 6-month FES-cycling sport therapy using trike on motor complete Five participants engaged bi-weekly sessions an instrumented trike. A comprehensive assessment was conducted before training, at 3 6 months 1-month follow-up. Outcome measures included maximal Cross-Sectional Area (maxCSA) from Magnetic Resonance Images, mineral density, clinical scales, questionnaires spasticity, pain, bowel dysfunction, psychological well-being, motivation. Additionally, power output cycling endurance were assessed. The program led significant increase mass 34% after correlated improved performance (maxCSA versus peak power). slight decrease observed as expected Participants reported high well-being strong motivation throughout training program. Bone health, pain levels did not significantly change overall. shows potential therapeutic activity It while positively impacting Further research larger cohorts is necessary confirm these optimize protocols, establishing valuable sport-therapy model protocol retrospectively registered clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06321172).