Maximizing muscle forces during FES-LCE via low pedalling cadence

In the past, research to improve FES-LCE training focused on improving stimulation patterns, training protocols, control algorithms, and biomechanical modeling. Pedalling cadence is one parameter that has received very little attention until recently. Recent research from our laboratory has shown that the fatigue rate of electrically stimulated muscle decreases as pedalling cadence decreases. This recent research only tested fatigue rate over a 5-min period. If lower cadence cycling produces decreased fatigue compared to traditional cycling cadences (3550 rev⋅min) for the duration of a typical FES-LCE session, higher muscle forces will be generated at the lower cadences throughout the training session. The higher forces at lower cadences could lead to an improvement in FES-LCE training.