Investigation Into Optimal FES Training Characteristics After Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Spinal Cord Injury focused on measuring Functional Electrical Stimulation, Exercise Training, Aerobic Fitness, Muscle Strength
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Greater than 6-weeks post-trauma after SCI.
- Traumatic and atraumatic spinal cord injuries between C7 and T10
- Participants diagnosed with "motor complete' spinal cord injury American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A and B.
- Age between 18-75 years old.
- Both male and female.
- Have at least 90º bilateral knee flexion.
- Able to perform FES muscle contractions (not FES intolerant).
- Able to follow verbal instructions.
Exclusion Criteria:
- A recent history of trauma to the lower limb.
- Severe or infected pressure sore on weight-bearing skin areas.
- Illness caused by acute urinary tract infection.
- Uncontrolled spasticity or pain.
- History of cardiovascular / cardiorespiratory disease contraindicating exercise.
- Uncontrolled orthostatic hypotension.
- Unhealed decubiti at electrode placement area.
- Recurrent and uncontrolled autonomic dysreflexia.
- Active heterotopic ossification.
- Other peripheral or central neurologic injury.
Sites / Locations
- Swiss Paraplegic CentreRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
[HI-SHORT]
[LO-LONG]
High-intensity interval training modality of exercise using FES-evoked leg cycling. Three-four times weekly over 6-8 weeks (24 therapy sessions). The programme is 10 x 2-min exercise intervals with 1-2 min of recovery between intervals. High intensity is achieved by high FES current amplitude (120-150 milliampere, patient dependent)
Low-moderate intensity continuous training modality of exercise using FES-evoked leg cycling. Three-four times weekly over 6-8 weeks (24 therapy sessions). The programme is 20+ min continuous exercise. Lower intensity is achieved by lower FES current amplitude (< 90-100 milliampere, patient dependent)