FES Cycling Revisited
Introducing Stim2Go
In this article, we want to showcase the arrival of a new product called Stim2Go, which promises to open up the availability of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Cycling to a much wider group (and do some other clever things, too).
PAJUNK GmbH, one of the global market leaders in regional anaesthesia, has introduced the Stim2Go worldwide. The product' was developed and operated by another German company, SensorStim Neurotechnology GmbH. The product has regulatory approval in the USA and is now available in Europe and the UK as a registered medical device.
Anatomical Concepts are especially pleased to work with this product in the UK.
In this article, we acknowledge the breadth of Stim2Go's potential applications but will focus on the specific topic of FES Cycling. This modality combines a passive/active bike with a muscle stimulator designed to allow persons with weak or paralysed limbs to cycle actively using these muscles. Despite the many people who could benefit from using this technology, its adoption has been limited due to the cost of the systems.
The introduction of Stim2Go provides a more accessible and efficient solution for (FES) cycling because it allows the user to add this capability to just about any passive/active bike such as the Thera Trainer range.
Stim2Go is lightweight, portable, and user-friendly, designed with cutting-edge technology, making it ideal for clinical settings and personal use. It offers advanced features such as pre-set stimulation programs and adaptive intensity control, ensuring a safe and effective experience for a diverse range of users.
This innovation is set to revolutionise FES cycling by removing many barriers traditionally associated with such equipment—namely, cost, complexity, and limited availability.
The Perfect FES System?
Despite the long history of electrical stimulation's use in therapy, there is still a lack of awareness of its usefulness. There is no such thing as the perfect FES system. FES products come in various forms, ranging from general-purpose tools to devices tailored for specific applications. Some are classified as medical devices, while others fall under the category of sports or consumer products.
This diversity can be overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with the field, as the functionality and prices can vary significantly, and the terminology is often unclear. The lack of standardised, universally accepted terms to describe the different electrical stimulation uses only adds to the confusion.
You have probably seen FES described as NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) in rehabilitation for particular tasks, such as helping with hand and arm function or managing drop feet. FES is often used in rehabilitation as a tool to assist in the recovery of muscle function. It uses finely controlled electrical energy to make weak or paralysed muscles contract, which can either directly or indirectly improve function. Specific forms of electrical stimulation can even be used with denervated muscles, whether by a peripheral nerve injury or spinal cord injury.
One of our favourite application areas is FES Cycling. We have approaching 20 years of experience of working with this technology with clients at home and in clinical settings. The benefits of FES Cycling are well supported by research and the only disappointment we have had is the fact that system cost has been a significant barrier to adoption. Many persons with neurological conditions who could benefit from FES Cycling could not afford to purchase systems.
FES Cycling ensures that the muscle stimulation sequences are synchronised with the pedal movements of a passive/active bike. This allows persons with weak or paralysed muscles to get a more effective workout than when their legs are moved passively. More about this below.
Tools to Support Rehabilitation
In neurorehabilitation, innovation invites hope, technology provides the means, and consistent effort is crucial for progress. For those living with or recovering from a neurological condition such as a stroke or spinal cord injury, the path to regaining mobility and strength can be long and challenging. Many individuals find that the NHS provides good acute care but insufficient long-term support to meet their desire for physical recovery. Many of our clients need products they can use at home as an investment in their recovery and or long-term health.
Some innovative and effective technologies can foster functional recovery or compensate for lost function, but of course, the availability of financial resources can be a frequent barrier to adoption. In the UK, private resources are often needed to access these resources.
Our many FES Cycling clients have generally been able to access the technology only because they had insurance funding or were in an accident resulting in a medico-legal claim. Consequently, many persons who have experienced a stroke or other neurological condition will not be able to obtain access to most FES Cycling technology because of a lack of funds.
Stim2Go
With the arrival of Stim2Go, we can support many rehabilitation goals. What is particularly exciting is that, for the first time, we can offer FES Cycling based on the user's choice of passive-active bikes.
Until now, FES Cycling systems have featured an FES unit integrated with a specific model of passive-active bike. Now, for the first time, if the user already has a passive-active bike of any make, we can potentially enable FES Cycling by using Stim2Go.
There is nothing wrong with the integrated system approach. After all, we have offered versions of the RehaMove system based on the popular MOTOmed bikes since 2007. Other available systems have also used this approach.
With Stim2Go, FES Cycling, tSCS (transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation), pain relief, wound healing, and a wide range of FES-enhanced exercises are supported, allowing us to offer this technology to many more clients.
Our spinal cord-injured clients widely use FES Cycling as an effective way of gaining exercise, but the arrival of Stim2Go brings a transformative opportunity for other neurological patients, such as stroke survivors who may not have access to the same level of funding.
What is FES Cycling, and how does it aid fitness and recovery? You may have heard of it before, only to be deterred by its high costs. We will briefly delve into the nuances of this groundbreaking method and explore how we could make FES-enhanced exercise more affordable for many.
Understanding FES Cycling
Stim2Go contains position and motion sensors that allow us to trigger stimulation baed on movement. This means FES Cycling and other forms of functional therapy are readily supported.
As we described above, FES Cycling combines a passive/active exercise bike with electrical stimulation to help those with muscle weakness or paralysis. Delivering small electrical pulses to muscles in synchronised time with the movement of the bike pedals encourages active movement powered by contractions in the user's legs. It develops leg power, allowing individuals to pedal even without voluntary control. This not only aids in muscle re-education and strength but also stimulates cardiovascular health.
Envision this technology as a bridge that restores the connections between the brain and muscles. It offers significant benefits for neurological patients where injury or disease has severed some of these vital connections. We know that many guided repetitions are needed to take advantage of the body's natural ability to adapt and work around problems (often called neuroplasticity). FES Cycling is an effective way of supporting this type of regenerative exercise and it's backed by many years of research.
Think of FES Cycling as a personal trainer who works with your body and caters to your specific neurological needs. This personalised approach can significantly enhance the speed and effectiveness of rehabilitation.
A typical "integrated" FES Cycling system consists of two primary components. The first is a passive/active bike like the MOTOmed Muvi or Thera Tigo, designed to accommodate individuals with varying levels of mobility. These bikes are very widely used and have value in rehabilitation, but they miss the "vital spark" provided by FES. That's where the second system comes in.
The second component in the integrated FES Cycling system is the electrical stimulation generator. This device synchronises electrical pulses with the bike's pedal movement, enabling active exercise even for paralysed muscles. Together, these components create an environment that promotes physical activity and rehabilitation.
The most popular FES Cycling systems presently on the market use bike and stimulator components that are closely integrated. This works well and produces predictable results. However, what if you could turn ANY passive/active bike into an FES Cycling system. You can now do this with Stim2Go - and achieve much more.
We can support functional exercise triggered by movement whether upper or lower limbs
While the benefits of FES Cycling are clear, the cost of adopting such systems can be prohibitive. Traditionally, these products have been expensive, limiting access for many who could benefit from them, including stroke survivors. This financial barrier has often deterred potential users from exploring the possibilities offered by FES Cycling.
However, advancements in technology are providing new opportunities. This shift is expected to make FES Cycling more accessible, allowing a broader audience to experience its transformative effects.
Unique Features of Stim2Go
Stim2Go sets itself apart with its innovative and flexible design, enabling seamless integration with any passive or active bike. Unlike traditional FES Cycling systems, which often require dedicated and costly equipment, Stim2Go is a portable, cost-effective solution that puts accessibility at the forefront. Its compact size and wireless functionality make it convenient for use at home or in therapy settings, eliminating the need for bulky setups. With an intuitive user interface and customisable stimulation programs, Stim2Go ensures users can tailor their sessions to suit individual needs and recovery goals. This breakthrough technology is redefining FES Cycling by empowering users to take control of their rehabilitation easily and efficiently.
Stim2Go doesn't need to be integrated with a bike because it has movement sensors built into it. The Stim2Go can be attached to a thigh, and as the bike is powered up, it senses the pattern of movement and triggers electrical stimulation to the necessary muscles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stim2Go represents a significant advancement in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Cycling technology. By prioritising portability, accessibility, and user customisation, it removes barriers traditionally associated with FES systems. Its innovative movement-sensing technology eliminates the need for integration with specific bike equipment, providing a seamless and versatile rehabilitation solution. Whether used at home or in clinical settings, Stim2Go empowers users to achieve their recovery goals with ease, efficiency, and independence. This cutting-edge device is not just a tool for rehabilitation but a step forward in enabling individuals to regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Check out the details of Stim2Go on this site and contact us for a demonstration