FES Assisted Cycling in Children With CP

This project proposes to assess if Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) assisted cycling can improve the cycling ability, muscle strength, cardiovascular health, quality of life, self perception and functional mobility of adolescents with CP better than a volitional cycling program or a non-intervention control group.

Aim 1: To compare the effects of 8-weeks of FES-assisted cycling training on improving cardiorespiratory fitness, walking function, self-motivated exercise/recreation, self-perception and functional mobility and quality of life of adolescents with spastic CP with marginal walking ability (Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels II - IV) vs. 8-weeks of volitional cycling training and a non-intervention control group. Aim 2: To compare the effects of 8-weeks FES-assisted cycling training on changes in cycling ability of adolescents with spastic CP with marginal walking ability vs. 8-weeks of volitional cycling training and a nonintervention control group. Aim 3: To elucidate the mechanisms for potential improvements in cycling ability after 8-weeks of FES-assisted or volitional cycling training of adolescents with spastic CP and marginal walking ability.