Focus for today Annie introduced Carl Hird and Stuart Dunne from CYCLONE MOBILITY who had both travelled from the north to introduce us to FES Bikes. Those who had attended the TM conference in April had been impressed when they had seen the bikes and although unlikely the majority of us could afford to buy one for our own homes, by trying them for ourselves people may decide to fund raise for one for their nearest Neuro Hospital/rehabilitation centre/physio department. Carl and Stuart knew of people with other physical health conditions living in the same geographical area that had clubbed together and purchased one as group. Carl and Stuart explained how restorative therapies can help people set and meet rehabilitation goals with the assistance of a FES bike based on the premise of using electricity to stimulate patterned activity. The RT300 is the only technology with FES Cycling for arms, legs and trunk stimulation. It is suitable for any age from 4 years. By cycling and using your own arm and/or leg muscle it's possible to; FES stands for Functional Electrical Stimulation whereby electrical current stimulates nerves to evoke muscle contractions. With the RT300, FES creates patterned movement of the arms or legs enabling your muscles to work and perform active cycling even though you may have lost voluntary control of those muscles. For those who like to understand the technology behind all this each FES bike has a touch screen control to change stimulation level, speed, distance, power, resistance, pulse rate, oxygen saturation and time remaining. The SAGE controller is custom engineered for FES Therapy and makes the bike responsive to individual need. The real way to understand these bikes is to try them out! Comments from members who tried the RT300 bikes, (who each had a 30-40 min session each) "It was difficult to maintain the speed and pace with both legs due to my right leg muscle being weaker. Overall it was a great experience and sensation, I would highly recommend it. Stuart and Carl were so knowledgeable about their product and the fact they use them. As both of them use a wheelchair 24/7 they were able to relate to any of our physical problems in dealing with TM on a daily basis." "I tried the electrical stimulation on my upper arms and shoulder. Although a short session to try it out the sensation did create some immediate relief from the pain and stiffness. After the session had finished I could still feel the sensation in my shoulder from the electrical stimulation this was not unpleasant" "The pads were attached to my lower legs and mid-lower back this was to help work on core balance as well as leg weakness. It was amazing to see leg muscles twitching. It meant concentrating to keep the focus on maintaining the pace of the bike, this was a mental and physical challenge that I enjoyed and again shows the importance of keeping as physically fit as possible with a neuro condition like TM. A very worthwhile session" "With my feet on the bike pedals it started to move without any input from me, as Stuart slowly started the electrical stimulation. He gradually increased the intensity and demonstrated how it was possible to change the current to stimulate muscles more deeply. As the electrical stimulation increased the pulse was more intense and slightly uncomfortable but I could see my thigh muscles contracting. It was harder than expected as the bike requires finer muscle control from the user. I was really inspired by the FES session Stuart quickly identified the weaker areas in my legs. It has reminded me how important exercise is if you want to see improvement." The TM Association is trying to encourage people to make a donation towards buying a bike for Huw Gallagher a young boy of 4 years old who is paralysed with TM. As adults with TM we will all have had moments of 'why me' or struggled with adapting our lives but to be hit with this neuro condition at a time in your life when you should be playing and exploring in a lively manner with your friends must be so tough on Huw and his parents. At our December meeting we will seek members agreement for the amount for our group donation if you have any thoughts on this please contact Peggy. Our thanks to Carl and Stuart for such a stimulating, encouraging and practically helpful session it was much appreciated by us all. For further information please have a look at the web site www.cyclonemobility.com or e-mail carl@cyclonemobility.com with specific questions.
Other Business Annie reminded everyone about the availability of TM on Facebook and gave an example of how she had used it to get other peoples experience of having anaesthetic for an operation since TM. Annie felt this was a good way for people to be able to share in what ways individuals have managed their TM, a sounding board to gain more knowledge not just for those with TM but also for partners/ family members and friends who had become carers. For those who are technologically minded The Brain and Spine Foundation can now be found on Face Book and Twitter.
"Thanks" to Jill for once again keeping everyone replenished with refreshments throughout and clearing up after us! Next meeting – Saturday 3rd December 2011 feel free to arrive from 12.30 p.m for an earlier start due to the dark evenings, hot refreshments will be provided! |