Outdoor bicycle for exercise in paraplegics and quadriplegics

The design of a three-wheel bicycle is described which can be used for exercise and locomotion in paraplegic and quadriplegic subjects. This device is constructed from a standard three-wheel bicycle which has been modified with a sensor to show the position of the pedals. The output of the sensor (a 360 degrees potentiometer) is read by the A/D converter of a small digital computer carried on the bicycle. The microprocessor system controls stimulation to four key muscle groups to allow locomotion. The speed of the bicycle is controlled with a throttle control as on a motorcycle. The device offers a potentially attractive system for increasing muscle strength and endurance, reducing muscle atrophy, increasing bone density and cardiovascular training in wheelchair bound patients.