The effects of FES cycling combined with virtual reality racing biofeedback on voluntary function after incomplete SCI: a pilot study

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-019-0619-4 · Published: November 6, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study explores if combining Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) cycling with virtual reality (VR) biofeedback can improve voluntary motor function in individuals with incomplete Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The iCycle device was used to provide this combined therapy. Eleven participants with incomplete SCI underwent 12 sessions of iCycle training over a month. The iCycle encourages voluntary effort by using a virtual reality racing game that responds to the user's pedaling. The study found that some participants showed improvements in motor scores after the training program, suggesting the potential benefits of this combined approach. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Study Duration

One-month

Participants

11 participants (C1-T12) with incomplete SCI

Evidence Level

Pilot study

Key Findings

1
Improved ISNC-SCI motor scores were observed in some participants with chronic SCI, potentially attributable to the iCycle training.
2
In sub-acute participants, improvements in motor scores could not be definitively attributed to the iCycle training due to potential spontaneous recovery.
3
Some participants exhibited negative torque during voluntary effort, possibly due to spasticity, indicating a need for adjustments to the device and training approach.

Research Summary

This pilot study investigated the effects of a one-month training program using the iCycle, a novel device that combines FES cycling with virtual reality biofeedback, on voluntary function in individuals with incomplete SCI. The study found improvements in ISNC-SCI motor scores in both chronic and sub-acute participants, but the improvements in the sub-acute group could be due to spontaneous recovery. The iCycle shows promise as an innovative progression of traditional FES cycling systems, but larger controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanisms of effect.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Potential

The iCycle may offer a novel approach to rehabilitation for individuals with incomplete SCI by combining FES cycling with VR biofeedback to encourage voluntary effort.

Device Improvement

The study highlights the need for technical improvements to the iCycle to address issues such as negative torque and ensure it is suitable for individuals with varying levels of motor function.

Further Research

Larger, better-controlled clinical trials are needed to verify the positive results observed in this pilot study and to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of the iCycle.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size
2
Lack of a control group
3
Inability to distinguish between natural recovery and the effects of iCycle training in sub-acute participants

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury