Early FES Cycling in Acute Spinal Cord Injury for Neuromuscular Preservation and Neurorecovery

About this trial

This trial is enrolling individuals with acute spinal cord injuries (14 to 21 days since injury) to test the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) leg cycling on leg muscle atrophy, pain, spasticity, and neurological outcomes. FES is a technique that applies electrical stimulation through the skin to nerves to cause contraction of weakened or paralyzed muscles. In this case FES is applied in order to determine if it prevents muscle wasting, pain, and spasticity and improves recovery if begun early following spinal cord injury. . If included, participants will be randomly assigned to one of three study groups: a) receive standard care only; b) receive the FES cycling program in the first three months of the study; or c) receive the FES cycling program in the second three months of the study. Final testing will be performed after 6 months.