What is Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)?

The brain is the command centre of the body. It sends out electrical signals through the nerves to the muscles to help us move. When the brain or nerves become damaged those messages get lost, impacting our movement.

FES is an advanced therapeutic technique that can be used to aid the brain by applying electrical pulses to weak or paralysed muscles to help restore and assist movement rewiring the nerve pathways. It is widely used for people with neurological impairments such as spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions that affect movement.

The Myolyn MyoCycle Pro is a revolutionary bike that utilises an isokinetic cycling program. This is where FES is applied to the leg muscles in coordination with cycling at a constant speed, while the resistance is automatically adjusted to match the strength of the user. This allows for maximal muscle engagement throughout the entire program and encourages the client to beat their previous performance each session, it creates an ongoing challenge to aspire to.

Why is it helpful?

Beyond restoring function, FES may offer many significant physiological benefits:

• Helps maintain or increase muscular strength and mass

• Improves circulation which:

  • Helps support skin integrity and reduces pressure injuries

  • Reduces incidence of urinary tract infections

• Improves bowel and bladder function

• Reduces spasticity and tone

• Maintains or increases range of motion

• Promotes neuroplasticity and muscle re-education

• Improves gait patterns

• Enhances cardiovascular fitness

• Improves bone mineral density

• Improves sensation

With decades of clinical evidence, FES remains a cornerstone in neurorehabilitation, combining technology and therapy to maximise your potential.