Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling Versus Cycling Only on Walking and Quality of Life in MS

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a rehabilitation tool that stimulates nerves via
electrical current, causing muscles to contract. When FES is appled to leg muscles during
stationary cycling the legs move in a fixed rhythmical pattern. Previous studies have
demonstrated that FES during cycling is a safe and effective exercise for individuals
recovering from spinal cord injury or stroke, but few have applied this tool to a progressive
disorder, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study is to assess the immediate
and short-term effect of an 8-week training program comparing FES lower extremity cycling to
cycling without FES. Twenty volunteers with MS will participate. They will be randomly
assigned to a training group. This study examine the effects of training on quality of life,
endurance, walking speed, and step quality. Participants will sign an informed consent and
complete a questionnaire that includes medical history and demographic data. Before training,
immediately after training finishes and one month after training, self-report questionnaires,
timed walking tests will be completed. During the walking tests, step quality and speed will
be measured with a sensor that is worn on a belt

Inclusion Criteria:

- Medical Diagnosis of MS

- Patient-determined Disease Steps score between 3.0 and 6.0 inclusive

- Ability to attend training sessions 3 times per week for an 8-10 week period

- Passing a submaximal exercise test

- Adequate hip range of motion (at least 110 degrees)

- Adequate knee range of motion (10-90 degrees)

Exclusion Criteria:

- Cognitive deficits that would interfere in ability to sign consent and understand the
procedures for the study.

- History or presence of other neurological pathologies that interfere with movement

- Received physical therapy within the last 4 weeks prior to the study

- History of an acute exacerbation of their MS symptoms within 4 weeks prior to the
study

- Immunosuppressive or steroid therapy within the past 4 weeks

- Significant spasticity in the legs that interferes with the cycling motion

- History of congestive heart failure

- Coronary Artery Disease

- Uncontrolled Hypertension

- History of epilepsy or seizures

- Cardiac demand pacemaker or implanted defibrillator

- Unhealed fractures in the legs

- Pressure sores or open wounds on the legs

- Pregnant or trying to conceive