Comparing Arm and Leg Cycling with Motorized vs. FES Assistance for Walking Rehabilitation in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

This preliminary study compares the efficacy of arm and leg cycling with functional electrical stimulation (A&LFES) versus motorized assistance (A&LMOT) in improving walking performance in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Participants with chronic iSCI (AIS grades C or D) completed a 12-week training program, with walking performance assessed via the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and the 10-m walk test (10MWT) . Preliminary results indicate improvements in both groups: the A&LFES group showed a 50% improvement in the 10MWT and a 37% improvement in the 6MWT, whereas the A&LMOT group exhibited a 17% improvement in the 10MWT and a 40% improvement in the 6MWT. These findings suggest that A&LFES provides superior benefits in enhancing walking speed and endurance, supporting its inclusion in rehabilitation protocols to maximize functional recovery of persons with iSCI. Additionally, by validating A&L cycling paradigms, we aim to develop an easy-to-use, cost-effective, and scalable device for persons with iSCI, providing a solution that can reach a broader population, including those in remote or underserved areas.