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Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling Community of practice
Bringing together people who want to advance FES cycling for spinal cord injury rehabilitation, exercise, and sport.
Purpose of the FES Cycling CoP
We aim to bring together a network of individuals to advance functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling for spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation, exercise, and sport as part of an interprovincial Community of Practice (CoP). This CoP will initially include people from Alberta or Saskatchewan. However, we will host national and international speakers. This group represents the first step towards development of a national FES cycling CoP.
Objectives
There are three main objectives:
1. To improve knowledge and confidence of practicing health care providers about FES cycling by sharing expertise through a webinar series and a mentorship program.
2. To speed up access to FES cycling for individuals with SCI by addressing barriers such as lack of awareness, limited funding, and restricted equipment availability by creating social media presence and organizing an FES cycle-a-thon.
3. To facilitate the exchange of evidence-based tools, research, training opportunities, and practical strategies through an online discussion board.
FES Cycling Webinars
Funding
FES Cycling Toolkit – FAQs
What is Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) cycling?
FES cycling is a rehabilitation technique that uses electrical impulses to stimulate and contract muscles, enabling cyclic movement of the legs and/or arms. It is commonly used for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) as part of activity-based therapy to promote neuromuscular activation below the level of injury (Jervis Rademeyer et al., 2025; Sanna et al., 2025).
What are the benefits of FES cycling for patients with SCI?
FES cycling can improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle size and strength, prevent disuse atrophy, maintain bone density, reduce muscle spasms and spasticity, and lower the risk of secondary complications such as infections and pressure injuries. It may also enhance overall physical endurance and quality of life (Gurcay et al., 2022; Sadowsky et al., 2013). Alongside psychosocial improvements (Fattal et al., 2018).
How long does a typical FES cycling session last?
Depending on the sessions usually range from 30 to 45minutes, depending on the patient’s tolerance and rehabilitation goals. Frequency can vary from several times a week to daily. (Everaert et al., 2021).
How soon after a spinal cord injury can FES cycling begin?
FES cycling has been used as early as two to three weeks after the initial injury, during the acute care phase when neurorecovery potential is highest. Early engagement in activity-based therapy like FES cycling is often preferred by patients and may lead to better outcomes. How early you can start depends on your individual situation and you should consult with your medical and rehabilitation team.
What is a Community of Practice (CoP)?
A Community of Practice is a group of people who share a common interest or profession and come together to exchange knowledge, solve problems, and improve their skills through collaboration and shared experiences. (Standal and Jespersen, 2008).
What are the benefits of joining a CoP?
Members gain access to peer support, best practices, and resources. CoPs foster professional growth, encourage innovation, and help build networks that can lead to new opportunities and solutions. You can meet many types of people who are interested in a topic, like FES cycling. Our FES cycling CoP has members from Alberta and Saskatchewan. We have members who have lived experience, physiotherapists, kinesiologists, physicians, FES cycling volunteers, clinic managers, program directors and more. They use FES cycling in private clinics, public programs, hospitals, recreation centres and more. Some are brand new to FES cycling and some people have been cycling for over 30 years!
Who can join a CoP?
Anyone with an interest in the topic or field can join. CoPs often include practitioners, researchers, educators, and stakeholders who want to learn and contribute to the community.
How can I join?
Email pending*