FES Cycling Revisited

n this article, we 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.

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.

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Key findings from the Neurokinex trial of the Onward Medical ARC-ex device

The Neurokinex-led Pathfinder2 Study, sponsored by Spinal Research and published in Neuromodulation: Technology at Neural Interface on February 25, 2025, represents a landmark investigation into the long-term efficacy of ONWARD Medicalʼs ARC-EX Therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. This one-year trial demonstrated sustained functional improvements in chronic SCI patients, challenging historical assumptions about recovery plateaus and redefining expectations for neurorehabilitation outcomes.

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation delivers electrical currents through surface electrodes positioned over the spinous processes, modulating spinal circuit excitability. Unlike invasive epidural stimulation, tSCS non-invasively targets dorsal roots and interneuronal networks, facilitating neuromodulation of both ascending sensory and descending motor pathways. The stimulation parameters (typically 30-50 Hz) are designed to enhance residual supraspinal connectivity while activating latent central pattern generators (CPGs) responsible for rhythmic motor outputs. Recent studies suggest that tSCS amplifies sensorimotor integration, enabling volitional movement by lowering activation thresholds for preserved neural pathways.

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How does the timing and intensity of stimulation in home-based FES (hbFES) affect the structural recovery of lower motor neurons and muscle fibres following a complete denervation injury?

This article explores how the timing and intensity of home-based Functional Electrical Stimulation (hbFES) can affect recovery after complete denervation injury. It looks at how stimulation parameters may influence the structural recovery of lower motor neurons and muscle fibres, and why starting early and using the right dose of stimulation could be important for outcomes. The article summarises key findings and practical considerations, offering insight for clinicians and individuals interested in evidence-based hbFES use.

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FES Cycling, rehabilitation Derek Jones FES Cycling, rehabilitation Derek Jones

FES Cycling vs. Passive Movement Training: The Pros and Cons

In the world of neurorehabilitation, two approaches have emerged as prominent tools for helping patients regain mobility and function: Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Cycling and Passive Movement Training (PMT). While both have their place in rehabilitation settings, understanding their distinct benefits and limitations is crucial for healthcare professionals and patients alike. PMT, utilising motorized bikes like the Thera or MOTOmed, has long been a staple in hospitals and homes due to its ease of use and accessibility. However, the integration of electrical stimulation in FES Cycling has opened new doors in rehabilitation, particularly for those with spinal cord injuries, stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. With over three decades of research backing its efficacy, FES Cycling represents a significant advancement in rehabilitation technology – but what makes it truly different from traditional PMT, and why should clinicians and patients take notice? Let's delve into the science behind these approaches and explore their comparative benefits for patient outcomes.

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How effective is electrical stimulation in strengthening skeletal muscle? What stimulation parameters appear to be most effective?

Electrical stimulation can be an effective way to strengthen skeletal muscle, but outcomes depend heavily on how it’s applied. This article explores what the research suggests about effectiveness, and which stimulation parameters appear most important - such as intensity, frequency, pulse duration, and session length. It highlights why correct dosing and progression matter, and how stimulation can be tailored to support different strength and rehabilitation goals. A useful overview for clinicians and individuals looking to understand evidence-based stimulation for muscle strengthening.

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Starting Small is Still Starting

Recovery and progress often seem daunting, especially when facing significant physical challenges or lifestyle changes. Whether you're an injured patient working through rehabilitation or someone who has fallen out of healthy habits, the gap between where you are and where you want to be can feel overwhelming. This article explores why taking that first small step - no matter how modest it may seem - is the most crucial part of any journey toward recovery or positive change. Drawing from both clinical experience with rehabilitation patients and personal insights about motivation, we'll examine how the compound effect of small, consistent actions can lead to remarkable transformations, even when the path ahead appears insurmountable.

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