Brammatha A^1,2*, MK Franklin Shaju³ and Kannabiran B⁴

¹Ph.D. Scholar, RVS College of Physiotherapy, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R. Medical University, Chennai, India
²Professor, KMCH College of Physiotherapy, Coimbatore, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R. Medical University, Chennai, India
³Principal and Ph.D. Guide, RVS College of Physiotherapy. The Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R. Medical University, Chennai, India
⁴Professor and Co Guide, RVS College of Physiotherapy. The Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R. Medical University, Chennai, India

*Corresponding Author: Brammatha A, Professor, KMCH College of Physiotherapy, Coimbatore, Affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R. Medical University, Chennai, India.

Received: February 28, 2025; Published: March 13, 2025

Abstract

Therapeutic Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling (FESC) involves the application of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) that is synchronized with the cycling motion, thus facilitating a harmonized activation of the lower limb musculature that mirrors the cyclical movements associated with locomotion. Electrical impulses are transmitted through electrodes strategically placed on the epidermis over the designated muscle groups.

Post-stroke lower limb impairments often manifest as muscle weakness, irregular muscle coactivation, and compromised joint torque coupling during gait and posture, which can diminish the flexibility of the cortical motor network, ultimately resulting in restricted motor behavior and impaired walking functionality. The repetitive characteristics of the cycling exercise are believed to foster motor learning while enhancing muscle strength, endurance, and coordination. In terms of functional outcomes, FES cycling has demonstrated benefits in enhancing overall mobility and daily living activities. Clinical trials have reported improvements in gait speed, symmetry and balance which can translate to better performance in tasks such as walking and standing. This paper reviews the evidences for lower limb FES cycling in stroke population, mechanisms of action, implications for clinical practice and technological advancements.

 Keywords: Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling; FESC; FES; Lower Limb Cycling; Stroke; Hemiplegia; Physiotherapy

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Citation

Citation: Brammatha A., et al. “Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling: A Comprehensive Review of Contemporary Evidence and Recent Advancements”. Acta Scientific Neurology 8.4 (2025): 04-14.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2025 Brammatha A., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.