What is FES?
FES stands for Functional Electrical Stimulation. In cases of spinal cord injury, paralysis, Parkinson’s, Cerebral Palsy, or other neurological conditions that affect motor function, electrical stimulation can help restore lost function. In the case of stationary bikes that incorporate FES, the electrical stimulation helps the user pedal the bicycle, activating the muscles and increasing blood flow. It helps prevent muscles from atrophying and other secondary health hazards that can result from the underuse of certain parts of the body.
How does FES work?
The brain controls body movement by sending electrical signals to muscles through a network of nerves. These signals cause muscles to contract or relax. In cases where nerve signals are damaged from either brain injury or a severing of the nerve pathways to certain muscle groups, the brain can no longer control muscle movement at will. Paralysis is when muscles do not respond to these signals to contract. When muscles contract on their own, without conscious direction or control, this is called spasticity.
FES can replace the missing or disrupted electrical signals responsible for muscle contraction. Electricity from a device called a stimulator can create controlled electrical pulses that mimic nerve signals through cables and electrodes placed on the surface of muscles. Undamaged nerves are activated by the electrical pulse, which causes contraction. This can be helpful for rehabilitation purposes by preventing muscle wasting, stimulating muscle growth, and lessening spasticity by simulating exercise. Additionally, therapies incorporating FES-driven exercise can maintain or increase range of motion, preserve bone density, and improve cardiovascular health.
Why Use MieronVR with FES Bikes?
MieronVR is a Virtual Reality Neurotherapy program, offered to rehabilitation facilities for use with in-patient and out-patient treatment for SCI, TBI, Cerebral Palsy, stroke & more.
Many practitioners are using MieronVR with a variety of physical and occupational therapy programs, including gait training, parallel bars, FES machines, and stand-alone as a new type of PT & OT and pain management tool.
MieronVR comes with a library of rehab based VR therapies including gait training, upper body movement, lower body movement, lateral movement, PT & OT, head and neck mobility & more.
Providing truly immersive, guided virtual reality experiences that pair seamlessly with rehabilitation equipment like FES bikes, MieronVR presents several additional benefits to the patient:
- The virtual environment makes repetitive movement more fun and engaging by introducing game-like activities and goals.
- Virtual reality transports the patient out of the rehab center and into mentally invigorating surroundings.
- Direct positive feedback and post-session metrics to the patient and the therapist encourages persistence and compliance.
- The known benefits of VR on pain abatement can help make the therapy session more comfortable for the patient, or allow for greater intensity without pain.
- Adaptable to all levels of mobility and fully wireless and ergonomic
MieronVR Testimonials
“I do not have great balance as a C6 quadriplegic SCI but i was not thinking about my balance issues when using Mieron – I was just accomplishing a given task”
– Brent Poppen, 2-time Paralympic medalist
Mieron Testimonial: Jeff, Lead Specialist at Abilities Recovery Center
Where can I find providers of MieronVR?
MieronVR may be offered in a clinic near you! Contact us by emailing hello@mieronvr.com, or chatting with a representative on our website, where we can help determine if the clinical or home version is a good fit for you.
You can also book a quick demo with us by clicking here!. We can go over anything you want to know in roughly 20-30 minutes.
At MieronVR, we’re dedicated to helping you do more to achieve more.
