iCycle II: Recovery of Function Through FES Cycling With VR Biofeedback in People With SCI.

About this trial

This trial is recruiting individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries to test the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) leg cycling on walking function. Participants will receive FES to the legs while using a leg cycle (iCycle), operated from the user’s wheelchair. FES applies electrical stimulation through the skin activate weakened or paralyzed muscles. In this study, FES will assist leg cycling movements while participants compete in a virtual reality (VR) cycle race (a computer-generated experience similar to the real world, displayed on a monitor). Winning correlates with voluntary effort, thus researchers hope the iCycle motivates participants to increase intensity of exercise without additional demands on therapists’ time. If included, participants will receive FES supported leg cycling while they compete in a VR cycle race. There will be 8 weeks of baseline measurements, 12 weeks of training, and 8 weeks of follow-up. Final testing of motor function and walking will be performed at week 28.