The feasibility of functional electrical stimulation indoor rowing for high-energy training and sport.

Objectives.  To explore the potential of functional electrical stimulation (FES)-assisted indoor rowing to enable spinal cord individuals to participate in indoor rowing competitions and to achieve high exercise intensities and volumes. Materials and Methods.  Six spinal cord injured subjects used a newly developed four-channel, manually controlled, FES-rowing system for training and competition. Results.  Four paraplegics and two quadriplegics used the newly developed FES-rowing system for long-term training. Moreover, they competed successfully with able-bodied rowers in major indoor rowing events; the 2004-2006 British and 2006 World Indoor Rowing Championships. The current best FES-rowing time for the official 2000 meter distance is 10:28. Steady state VO(2) values of 2.5 L/min (> 35 mL/kg/min) and weekly training volumes of 1150 kcal/week (4814 kJ/week) have been achieved. Conclusions.  For the first time, individuals with spinal cord injury have participated, on an equal basis, in major indoor rowing events using FES. The FES-rowers attained high levels of exercise volume and intensity. These levels are higher than have been previously reported for FES exercise and are similar to those that have been associated with significant health benefits in the general population.