Safety and Feasibility of Electrical Stimulation Cycling with Blood Flow Restriction in Adults with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating a new exercise approach to help reduce cardiometabolic disease CMD risk in adults with chronic spinal cord injury or disease SCID. CMD is a major cause of death in this group, often presenting suddenly as heart attacks or strokes. Due to challenges like limited mobility and difficulty exercising, new accessible and safe strategies are urgently needed to address CMD risk factors in this population. The study evaluates the safety and feasibility of combining functional electrical stimulation cycling FES-Cycling with blood flow restriction BFR exercise. Participants will complete eight exercise sessions over six weeks, including four sessions of FES-Cycling alone and four sessions of FES-Cycling with BFR. Each session involves 20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise using special devices that stimulate leg muscles and restrict blood flow to enhance exercise benefits. Participants will attend two testing sessions before and after the exercise period, during which researchers will monitor safety including skin checks, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and discomfort. They will also track recruitment, retention, and changes in cardiometabolic risk factors such as lipid profile and blood glucose. Participant feedback will help guide future exercise program development. The total study duration for each participant is six weeks.

FES Cycling With BFR in the Spinal Cord Injury Population