U of A machine allows paraplegics to exercise and stay fit

roshni · 09-20-2006, 11:18 AM

'When I see my legs moving, it's awesome'

U of A machine allows paraplegics to exercise and stay fit

Keith Gerein, The Edmonton Journal
Published: Wednesday, September 20, 2006

EDMONTON - Physical fitness has always been a major part of Robin Gibbons's life.

So when the British navy diver and pilot suffered a severe spinal-cord injury in car crash five years ago, it was a devastating blow. Paralyzed from the chest down, the once super-fit man suddenly found himself unable to properly exercise and at risk of developing illnesses such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Today, thanks to the help of some University of Alberta scientists, Gibbons and other paraplegics are working out again and dramatically improving their chances for a long life.
The scientists' creation is a specially adapted rowing machine, which uses electric current to jump-start life into otherwise paralyzed legs.

Participants can act like able-bodied rowers, moving all their limbs in time, for a more complete cardiovascular workout.

Link: http://www.canada.com/edmontonjourna...f87612&k=49180

Joshs mum · 09-20-2006, 03:08 PM

My son 18 year old son Josh had a gymanstics accident 2 yers ago that has left him c4/c5 complete and he never thought he would be able to fill the gap in his life that not doing gymnastics has left. That was until we met up with Robin and started FES rowing.Even though Josh is a high level it is possible for him to row and he really enjoys it and feels so much fitter after each session. Also he's getting muscles in his arms, and his thighs now look like an able bodied persons thighs. So if you have the chance Josh would reccomend you try it, even if you think you wont be able to do it,I bet you can

NorthQuad · 09-20-2006, 04:00 PM

I watched this on the news today and one guy looked like he was rowing and pushing with his legs exactly like an able bodied person would. It looked like a great workout.

Mike C · 09-21-2006, 05:48 AM

Experimental machine or commercially available?

"Since joining the team, Gibbons has competed in indoor rowing championships and done surprisingly well. He also teaches others how to use the machine and is working to get more training centres established. The next project is to develop a machine that will allow users to do real rowing on the water."

keps · 09-21-2006, 10:32 AM

Here's another link about Robin Gibbons -

http://www.concept2.co.uk/birc/news....ry=fes_at_birc

Mike C - as far as I know, FES is not commercially available.

09-20-2006, 11:18 AM	#1
roshni Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Old Bridge, New Jersey, USA Posts: 2,500	U of A machine allows paraplegics to exercise and stay fit 'When I see my legs moving, it's awesome' *U of A machine allows paraplegics to exercise and stay fit* Keith Gerein, The Edmonton Journal Published: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 EDMONTON - Physical fitness has always been a major part of Robin Gibbons's life. So when the British navy diver and pilot suffered a severe spinal-cord injury in car crash five years ago, it was a devastating blow. Paralyzed from the chest down, the once super-fit man suddenly found himself unable to properly exercise and at risk of developing illnesses such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Today, thanks to the help of some University of Alberta scientists, Gibbons and other paraplegics are working out again and dramatically improving their chances for a long life. The scientists' creation is a specially adapted rowing machine, which uses electric current to jump-start life into otherwise paralyzed legs. Participants can act like able-bodied rowers, moving all their limbs in time, for a more complete cardiovascular workout. Link: http://www.canada.com/edmontonjourna...f87612&k=49180

09-20-2006, 03:08 PM	#2
Joshs mum Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 20	FES Rowing My son 18 year old son Josh had a gymanstics accident 2 yers ago that has left him c4/c5 complete and he never thought he would be able to fill the gap in his life that not doing gymnastics has left. That was until we met up with Robin and started FES rowing.Even though Josh is a high level it is possible for him to row and he really enjoys it and feels so much fitter after each session. Also he's getting muscles in his arms, and his thighs now look like an able bodied persons thighs. So if you have the chance Josh would reccomend you try it, even if you think you wont be able to do it,I bet you can

09-21-2006, 05:48 AM	#4
Mike C Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Deutschland Posts: 4,894	Experimental machine or commercially available? "Since joining the team, Gibbons has competed in indoor rowing championships and done surprisingly well. He also teaches others how to use the machine and is working to get more training centres established. The next project is to develop a machine that will allow users to do real rowing on the water." __________________ "So I have stayed as I am, without regret, seperated from the normal human condition." Guy Sajer Last edited by Mike C; 09-21-2006 at 05:51 AM.

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09-20-2006, 04:00 PM	#3
NorthQuad Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 6,732	I watched this on the news today and one guy looked like he was rowing and pushing with his legs exactly like an able bodied person would. It looked like a great workout.

09-21-2006, 10:32 AM	#5
keps Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 5,347	Here's another link about Robin Gibbons - http://www.concept2.co.uk/birc/news....ry=fes_at_birc Mike C - as far as I know, FES is not commercially available.