Evaluation of crank position in Functional Electrical Stimulation cycle using three-dimensional musculoskeletal model

Abstract

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling is one most of rehabilitation to improve muscle enhancement and hypertrophy by electrically stimulated pedaling motion using FES cycle. Generally, many FES cycling use recumbent-trike type bicycle, however it cannot adjust crank position. In this study, we evaluated difference crank position of FES cycle for voluntary motion using musculoskeletal model. FES cycle used a wheelchair detached FES cycling unit developed by previous studies. For musculoskeletal analysis, we developed a pedaling measurement system to obtain the change in pedal reaction force and constant motion during cycling. The effects of the crank position on muscle force of lower limb muscle of healthy subjects were evaluated. As a result, maximum muscle force obtained small value when width away position from based position, and large value when height away position in rectus femoris. Therefore, adjustments of crank position suggested that realize highly effective rehabilitation in FES cycling.