FES-Cycling is a rehabilitation technique that allows individuals with spinal cord injuries to exercise paralysed leg muscles by pedalling, employing func- tional electrical stimulation. In the last years, also thanks to Cybathlon competi- tion, FES-cycling has increasingly been considered as a form of sport activity that combines the physical benefits with recreational aspects. This study presents the preparation for Cybathlon 2024 of the Polimi FES-bike team: from the optimiza- tion of the set-up and the stimulation strategies to the used training protocol and race strategies. A procedure based on the forces exerted by the lower limbs was used to identify the stimulation patterns for the quadriceps and hamstrings, which were compared with those from a trial-and-error approach. The results showed that the new pattern was more effective and efficient. The integration of two stimulation channels on the quadriceps was also tested, but the results were unsatisfactory and this approach was not used for the competition. A training plan was developed in preparation for the FES-bike race, based on the linear periodisation principles and tailored to the characteristics of the pilot and the requirements of the race. The initial phase was dedicated to increasing endurance capacity, with long-lasting low-intensity training, followed by a more intense and explosive training phase. Continuous performance monitoring and testing, together with a flexible approach were critical to maximising the athlete’s potential and managing rest periods. This approach together with the stimulation optimisations, secured third place in the Cybathlon competition. The key findings of this thesis highlight the importance of consistent training, subject-specific optimisation strategies, and, most importantly, the potential for performance improvement during the FES-cycling exercise. Beyond the race itself and the preparation, this journey was a life-changing experience also on a personal level.
Il FES-Cycling è una tecnica riabilitativa che consente a individui con lesioni del midollo spinale di tenere allentati i muscoli delle gambe utilizzando la stimolazione elettrica funzionale per la pedalata attiva. Negli ultimi anni, grazie anche alla competizione Cybathlon, il FES-Cycling ha iniziato ad essere considerato una forma di attività sportiva che unisce i benefici fisici ad aspetti ricreativi. Questo studio presenta la preparazione del team Polimi FES-bike per il Cybathlon 2024: dall'ottimizzazione del set-up e delle strategie di stimolazione al protocollo di allenamento e alle strategie di gara utilizzate. Per identificare i pattern di stimolazione dei muscoli quadricipiti e hamstrings è stata utilizzata un procedura basata sulla forza esercitata dalle gambe, per poi confrontarli con quelli ottenuti tramite un approccio di prova ed errore. I risultati hanno dimostrato che il nuovo pattern è più efficace ed efficiente. Inoltre, è stata testato l'integrazione di due canali di stimolazione sui quadricipiti, ma i risultati non sono stati soddisfacenti e questo approccio non è stato utilizzato per la competizione. È stato sviluppato un piano di allenamento in preparazione alla gara di FES-bike, basato sui principi della periodizzazione lineare e adattato alle caratteristiche del pilota e alle esigenze della gara. La fase iniziale è stata dedicata all'aumento della capacità di resistenza, con allenamenti di lunga durata e bassa intensità, seguita da una fase focalizzata su allenamenti più intensi ed esplosivi. Il monitoraggio continuo delle performance e i test, insieme a un approccio flessibile, sono stati fondamentali per massimizzare il potenziale dell'atleta e gestire i periodi di riposo. Questo approccio, insieme alle ottimizzazioni della stimolazione, ha permesso di conquistare il terzo posto alla competizione Cybathlon. I principali risultati di questa tesi evidenziano l'importanza di un allenamento costante, di strategie di ottimizzazione personalizzate e, soprattutto, del potenziale di miglioramento delle performance durante l'esercizio di FES-cycling.
Towards the partecipation to Cybathlon 2024 FES-bike race: a case report
Urbinati, Elisa;Eterovich, Federica
2023/2024
Abstract
FES-Cycling is a rehabilitation technique that allows individuals with spinal cord injuries to exercise paralysed leg muscles by pedalling, employing func- tional electrical stimulation. In the last years, also thanks to Cybathlon competi- tion, FES-cycling has increasingly been considered as a form of sport activity that combines the physical benefits with recreational aspects. This study presents the preparation for Cybathlon 2024 of the Polimi FES-bike team: from the optimiza- tion of the set-up and the stimulation strategies to the used training protocol and race strategies. A procedure based on the forces exerted by the lower limbs was used to identify the stimulation patterns for the quadriceps and hamstrings, which were compared with those from a trial-and-error approach. The results showed that the new pattern was more effective and efficient. The integration of two stimulation channels on the quadriceps was also tested, but the results were unsatisfactory and this approach was not used for the competition. A training plan was developed in preparation for the FES-bike race, based on the linear periodisation principles and tailored to the characteristics of the pilot and the requirements of the race. The initial phase was dedicated to increasing endurance capacity, with long-lasting low-intensity training, followed by a more intense and explosive training phase. Continuous performance monitoring and testing, together with a flexible approach were critical to maximising the athlete’s potential and managing rest periods. This approach together with the stimulation optimisations, secured third place in the Cybathlon competition. The key findings of this thesis highlight the importance of consistent training, subject-specific optimisation strategies, and, most importantly, the potential for performance improvement during the FES-cycling exercise. Beyond the race itself and the preparation, this journey was a life-changing experience also on a personal level.| File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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2024_12_Eterovich_Urbinati_Tesi.pdf
non accessibile
Descrizione: Testo Tesi
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15.51 MB
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15.51 MB | Adobe PDF | Visualizza/Apri |
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2024_12_Eterovich_Urbinati_Executive_Summary.pdf
non accessibile
Descrizione: Executive Summary
Dimensione
1.81 MB
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Adobe PDF
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1.81 MB | Adobe PDF | Visualizza/Apri |
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https://hdl.handle.net/10589/231443