Do any of you SCI regularly use an adaptive leg machine? The fitness center I worked out closed in 2008. I used a power trainer machine that I sat in my wheelchair. My legs were put in a leg device and strapped by velcro. As a quad, I put on adaptive gloves and were wrapped around hand controls for me to move arms and legs. I used this 30-45 min 3 to 4 days a week. Now, not having that machine I've lost so much muscle tone in my legs and arms. What I'm wondering if I try to purchase a RT300 cycle or egry? can I build back muscle tone again? I'm an incomplete C5-6 Quad of 24 years now. Any similar situation of knowledge would be great to hear!!
Registered: 11/16/01
Posts: 15944
Loc: a nice place
I DONT SEE WHY YOU WOULDNT BUILD MUSCLE and tone back again. i'm a c4-5 inc. going on 24 years. i would need the fes bike and theyre waaaaay too expensive.
Hi, I'm a c5/6 also. I used the first generation FES bike, the REGYS, for almost 4 years. After 12 years of atrophy it looked like I had bird legs. When I started, I only weighed 135, and I am 6'1. Worked out 3 days a week pedaling for 30 minuets a session. By the time the research program ended I had gained 30 pounds and my thighs looked like a track stars'.
The answer to your question is yes. Regular use of an FES Bike will restore muscle mass and tone. There are other important benefits too. a regular exercise routine of this nature results in a healthier cardiovascular, pulmonary, and immune systems. I was never ill while in the program. It also did wonders for my skin increasing my siting time, and restoring my damaged right ischial. I started riding the FES bike following flap surgery. The rebuilding of muscle mass was so complete that my butt lasted 23 years before atrophy got the best of me again.
I just left Kennedy Kreiger and used the FES Bike RT300. Insurance carriers are starting to pay for these now with a GOOD letter of medical necessity. I'm pursuing getting none now. It was a huge help.
