Development of FES-cycling system with network capability for multi-center clinical studies

The beneficial effects of cycling exercise via functional electrical stimulation (FES) have been demonstrated with the increase of muscle strength and endurance, increase of bone density, suppression of spasticity, improvement of cardiopulmonary function, and many other physiological and psychological effects for spinal cord injured (SCI) subjects. Several modified ergometers are commercially available in clinical rehabilitative treatment. However, those devices are relatively expensive and hardly affordable for the local SCI subjects. The aim of this research is to extend our FES-cycling prototype system for multicenter controlled studies. A telemeeting system has been built for online discussion and exchange of training protocols clinical centers via public Integrated Services of Digital Network (ISDN). This study is expected to provide the quantitative assessment criteria, more rational planning of patient-tailored therapeutic and rehabilitation procedures for SCI subjects participating in FES-cycling training.