A low-cost FES exercise bicycle for training paraplegics at home

Abstract

The success of FES exercise programmes for training paraplegic muscles at home depends highly upon the availability of reliable, easy-to-use and inexpensive training equipment. For endurance training, FES bicycle exercisers are well accepted. However, they are not suited for home use due to the high expense of commercially available equipment. This paper describes the development of a FES exercise bicycle for use at home. It consists of a standard bicycle ergometer with minimum modifications. The exerciser can be used by the patient sitting in the wheelchair, and may be used with any two-channel muscle stimulator.