Exercise Stimulators

These products are currently under development.

The first product in this range will be a neuromuscular stimulator to allow paraplegics to cycle again.  This product will be commercially available by 2006.

How does it work?

The stimulator uses FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation), the application of an electric current to a muscle or nerve to cause a muscle contraction.  It will use surface electrodes to deliver the electrical stimuli to the muscles in order to eliminate the need for surgery.

The stimulator contains control algorithms to automatically stimulate the appropriate muscles at the corresponding time in order to give a smooth cycling motion.  Users have a throttle control to allow them to control their speed.

Why do it?

Pilot FES Cycling studies, where subjects have exercised several times a week, have reported a number of significant health benefits:

• Improved cardiovascular fitness
• Improved peripheral circulation
• Increased muscle bulk, strength and endurance
• Reduction in seating pressure
• Reduced spasm frequency
• Lower rate of urinary tract infections
• Longer pilot studies (1 year) have also shown an increase in bone density

Increases in general health and fitness levels are also associated with the prevention of obesity and diabetes.

In addition to these very important physical health benefits, FES Cycling is enjoyable, fun and can be done both in and out of the home.