View Full Version : FES....five day hiatus
I thought after getting back from Neurotrauma, and being too busy to ride my first day back, that a five day break was really going to hurt. As it turned out, I don't feel like I lost any ground at all during that time.
I'm also kinda wondering if just maximizing the other parameters compensated....like drinking fluids, eating carbs and preventing overheating. But man, I sure didn't notice a problem.
Anyone else have a feel for how long they can take a break before they begin losing ground?
~See you at the SCIWire-used-to-be-paralyzed Reunion http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/wavey.gif ~
antiquity
11-11-2003, 09:37 AM
I don't know if using an FES machine qualifies but if I don't stim. at least 3 times a week, or if there are 3-4 days between stimming, it'll cause AD and I'll have to ramp down and slowly build back up which requires about 3 successive sessions.
Wesley
11-12-2003, 02:44 PM
Just out of curiosity, what parts of your body do you stim and what is the effect of doing so?
Interesting, Seneca. I used to think about three days off was my max, too. Anytime I went over that I paid the price. This five day break was awesome. Just hope I don't have another one!
~See you at the SCIWire-used-to-be-paralyzed Reunion http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/wavey.gif ~
antiquity
11-13-2003, 10:21 AM
Wesley, I'm only stimming my quads and hams right now. My thighs are definitely firmer.
I have been using an EMS machine everyday since 1988. I have noticed a small change if I do not use it for about 3 days. If I go longer than a week or maybe two weeks, I will experience some atrophy in certain muscle groups.
PN
Wesley
11-15-2003, 03:11 PM
Jeff, this is kind of off-topic...
But, have you noticed a connection between bowel motility and FES biking? I've just finished a month of biking 2 times a week and it seems like the BP goes faster the day after biking.
Wesley - It makes a big difference. Exercise has long been identified as an aid to motility. It's one of a long list of benefits of FES.
~See you at the SCIWire-used-to-be-paralyzed Reunion http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/wavey.gif ~
Jesse's Mom
11-16-2003, 06:51 PM
Reading this has just made me have a question of my own. Jess is leaving Project Walk for about 4 weeks in Dec. to come back to Minnesota for Christmas break. There are no machines in our house for him to use. What can he do when he gets home to keep up with exercise?
I used a little BellaStm stimulator last time I was away for an extended period. It helped a little bit...even though I only exercised my quadriceps. The unit cost only $100. Not sure if they can still be bought anywhere. It was similar to this unit...but a little smaller.
http://www.finefettle.com/mall/ColebrandHealthcare1/products/product-21109.stm
I used to wet the electrodes in order to zap my legs the most.
~See you at the SCIWire-used-to-be-paralyzed Reunion http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/wavey.gif ~