Investigation Into Optimal FES Training Characteristics After Sub-acute Spinal Cord Injury

The aim of this study is to investigate two different modalities of functional electrical stimulation (FES) leg exercise in sub-acute patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The primary outcomes being compared are 1. FES-induced leg aerobic fitness, and 2. FES-induced leg strength. There will be two FES-leg training groups, and sub-acute patients with SCI will be randomised between the groups - high-short [HI-SHORT] and low-long [LO-LONG]. Both groups (n=10 per group) will exercise on the Hasomed RehaStim™ exercise ergometer for 6-8 weeks, three-four times per week (24 therapy sessions). [HI-SHORT] will perform 10 x 2-min of high-intensity interval training with a recovery of 1-2 min between exercise bouts. [LO-LONG] will perform 20+ min of continuous exercise at a low-moderate exercise intensity. Exercise intensity for [HI-SHORT] and [LO-LONG] will be titrated by neuromuscular stimulation characteristics. The primary outcomes will be assessed before training commences and after 6-8 weeks of training has been completed.

Investigation Into Optimal FES Training Characteristics After Sub-acute Spinal Cord Injury

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