The annual incidence of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is estimated at 2,500 (35 per week) in the UK and, due to advances in research and clinical management, the majority now have incomplete injuries, with significant potential for neurological improvement. Discovering ways to provide intensive, but cost-effective SCI rehabilitation is therefore increasingly important. The iCycle combines functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling with VR cycle-racing feedback, where winning correlates with voluntary effort, to promote recovery. The aim is to improve walking in people with incomplete injuries, fundamental to independence and quality of life as well as long-term health. More intensive rehabilitative training is associated with better outcomes: the iCycle has the potential to increase intensity of exercise without additional demands on therapists' time and therefore cost. Following the encouraging results in an initial study; it is now important to find out whether recovery will continue at a similar rate if iCycle training continues beyond 4 weeks. Six volunteers with SCI will be recruited to participate in this 20 week, single-site open feasibility trial. The trial consists of an intervention phase lasting up to 12 weeks (3 iCycle sessions per week), and an 8-week follow-up phase. Outcome measures (ISNC-SCI motor scoring, Trunk Impairment scale, Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury, 6-minute walk test, Goal Attainment Scale and TMS) will be taken every 4 weeks. The 12-week intervention phase will be separated into three 4-week blocks; at the end of each block participants may decide whether or not they wish to continue training.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Change in International Standards of Neurological Classification for SCI (ISNC-SCI) Motor score.
Timeframe: 15 minutes