Riders Wanted! Inside the NSCIA CT Chapter FES Program

11/20/2003 12:00:00 AM

With the introduction of a Functional Electrical Stimulation bike at the Valley Shore YMCA in Westbrook CT, the NSCIA CT Chapter expands its community program to FES riders with spinal cord injuries in the shoreline area.

Functional Electrical Stimulation, (FES) is a process where paralyzed limbs can be exercised through electronic stimulation to various muscle groups; these muscle groups are stimulated in the correct sequence allowing the legs to actually pedal a stationary bicycle, thus reducing muscle atrophy, while increasing circulation and providing cardio-vascular benefits as well.

There are now a total of three community-based locations where riders can access FES “Stimaster” exercise bikes; in addition to the newest Westbrook location, there’s also a bike at New Horizons Village in Farmington, CT, as well as a unit on the UCONN Campus in Storrs, CT. There are also three clinical locations where initial FES training can be obtained: Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford, Hospital for Special Care in New Britain and the UCONN Campus in Storrs. For more on FES, please visit our FES page.

The FES bike in Westbrook represents a new direction for the Chapter’s existing program in that it is fully integrated within a community setting. The bike is physically situated in the midst of the Valley Shore YMCA’s Lifecycles, Stairmasters, treadmills, Nautilus and free weight areas, allowing the spinal cord injured rider to exercise along side their non-disabled peers.

There is a special “limited” membership available for those who wish to enroll in the Valley Shore YMCA and the NSCIA CT Chapter’s FES program in Westbrook of $20 per month. This allows any participant to use virtually any of the YMCA’s other equipment and programs, including either of their two regulation sized swimming pools, weight rooms, and gymnasiums. Financial assistance is also available to those who qualify.

To be eligible, the individual must have been trained in the proper use of FES in a clinical environment, and must be able to utilize the apparatus independently (either by themselves or with their own assistant). Users of equipment in the Westbrook, Farmington or Storrs community locations must be willing to assume complete risk of injury and liability; much as you would in a normal gym or health club. The CT Chapter stresses that these programs are intended for use by experienced FES riders who can provide their own assistance if needed, and who have been instructed in a clinical environment by qualified rehabilitation professionals in the safe and effective use of Functional Electrical Stimulation equipment.

We are currently looking for FES riders to participate in the Westbrook program. For more information, please call the CT Chapter Office at (203) 284-1045, or Geoffrey Matesky at (860) 767-7568.



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The Mission of the Connecticut Spinal Cord Injury Association (SCIACT), a chapter of United Spinal Association, is to support those with spinal related injuries or diseases and their families by being an advocate for their rights while serving as a resource to its members and the general public.

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