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Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling Exercise for People with Multiple Sclerosis
Lara A Pilutti1, Robert W Motl2
1Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
Current Treatment Options in Neurology
|November 10, 2019
Summary
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling shows promise for improving fitness and reducing fatigue in individuals with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS). More high-quality trials are needed to confirm these benefits for exercise management in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Exercise is crucial for managing multiple sclerosis (MS) but challenging for those with advanced disability.
- Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling offers a potential solution for exercise delivery in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on FES cycling for individuals with MS.
- To assess FES cycling's prescription, safety, tolerability, and effects (acute and chronic).
Main Methods:
- Literature search for studies on FES cycling in MS up to July 2019.
- Analysis of eight retrieved studies, noting low overall quality and one small randomized controlled trial (RCT).
Main Results:
- Limited but promising evidence suggests FES cycling is feasible and safe for individuals with moderate-to-severe MS.
- Preliminary findings indicate potential benefits for physiological fitness, walking mobility, fatigue, and pain.
- Participants tolerated regular FES cycling (30 min, 2-3x/week) with few adverse events.
Conclusions:
- FES cycling is a promising exercise modality for individuals with advanced MS.
- High-quality RCTs are essential to establish evidence-based recommendations for FES cycling in advanced MS management.
