Outcomes of a Home Cycling Program Using Functional Electrical Stimulation or Passive Motion for Children With Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Series

J Spinal Cord Med, 2008 · DOI: · Published: January 1, 2008

Spinal Cord Injury Pediatrics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Children with spinal cord injuries often face musculoskeletal and cardiovascular issues. This study looked at whether cycling at home, either with electrical stimulation or passive movement, could help. The study involved four children with SCI who cycled at home three times a week for an hour, either using functional electrical stimulation (FES) or passive motion. The results suggest that cycling, whether with FES or passively, could be a practical and beneficial exercise option for children with SCI, showing improvements in bone density and muscle strength in some participants.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

4 children with SCI

Evidence Level

Level 4: Case Series

Key Findings

1
Children cycling with FES showed improved bone mineral density, muscle volume, stimulated quadriceps strength, and lower resting heart rate.
2
One child cycling passively exhibited improved bone mineral density, muscle volume, stimulated quadriceps strength, and lower resting heart rate.
3
Lipid profile results were inconsistent across participants, showing both positive and negative changes.

Research Summary

This case series examined the outcomes of a 6-month at-home cycling program using FES or passive motion for 4 children with SCI. The study found that cycling with FES and, to a lesser extent, passive cycling may offer positive health benefits, including improvements in bone mineral density, muscle volume, and cardiovascular measures. The authors conclude that stationary cycling appears to be a practical home exercise option for children with SCI.

Practical Implications

Home-Based Exercise

Home cycling programs are feasible and can be incorporated into the routines of children with SCI and their families.

Bone Health

Cycling, particularly with FES, may improve bone mineral density in children with SCI, addressing a common complication.

Muscle Strength

Both FES and passive cycling can potentially improve muscle volume and strength in children with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The absence of a control group limits the ability to definitively attribute the observed changes to the cycling interventions.
2
Parent-reported data on program adherence and changes in the children were subjective.
3
Measurement error is not known for all tests performed in this study

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