Brief summary

This research study aims to investigate the heart rate and oxygen outcomes when combining functional electrical stimulation cycling with arm cranking. Participants will complete:

• 6 practice sessions: functional electrical stimulation cycling and arm cranking (1.5 hrs each)
• 6 experimental session: functional electrical stimulation cycling and arm cranking at different exercise intensities (1.5 hrs each)

We hope this research will allow us to understand how to gain higher intensities of aerobic exercise for people with advanced MS.
The research will be conducted at The University of Sydney Camperdown campus.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18 – 70
• A confirmed diagnosis of MS (all forms)
• Have an Expanded Disability Severity Score between 6 (needing the use of an assistive device such as a can or crutch to walk ) and 8 (using a wheelchair to move around in the community) and be able to perform arm cranking with at least one arm.

Exclusion criteria

• MS exacerbation or change in MS medication within the past three months
• Unstable medical conditions such as unstable angina, uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias, or severe heart failure
• Pregnancy or currently contemplating pregnancy
• Cardiac demand pacemaker, which is an exclusion to functional electrical stimulation
• A healing fracture or chronic skin irritation, which may be temporary exclusions to functional electrical stimulation.
• Temporary exclusions may also include uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes or recent heart attack, musculoskeletal injury or surgery, seizure or stroke, until stable

Anticipated start date

Currently recruiting

Recruitment contacts

Ms Suzanne Mate
Email: suzanne.mate@sydney.edu.au
Ph: +61 2 9351 9200

Dr Ché Fornusek
Email: che.fornusek@sydney.edu.au
Ph: +61 2 9351 9200

You can also click here to send a message to the project team.

Region

NSW

Ethics approval

Yes. This project has been approved by The University of Sydney Human Ethics committee, protocol number 2021/064.

Last updated

21/06/2022