CYBATHLON 2024

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FES / Functional Electrical Stimulation Bike Race

PULSE Racing

NetherlandsNetherlands

About the Team

Welcome to PULSE Racing, the pioneering team from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) committed to transforming lives through Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) technology! We are the seventh dream team, an energetic mix of 15 dedicated students from diverse fields, including human movement sciences, medicine, and marketing.

Our mission? To empower individuals with spinal cord injuries by restoring mobility and enabling them to cycle using their own muscle power. Partnering with Dutch manufacturer BerkelBike, we apply cutting-edge ideas from movement sciences to refine FES cycling, rigorously testing various electrode configurations and stimulation parameters to optimize muscle performance.

This year, PULSE Racing returns to the CYBATHLON, ready to showcase the remarkable potential of FES. Through this prestigious competition, we aim to highlight the profound physiological and mental benefits of FES cycling, such as enhanced blood circulation, muscle development, oxygen uptake, and endurance.

Join us on this inspiring journey as we, along with our dedicated athlete Peter and his loyal service dog Jan, push the boundaries of what’s possible in FES technology. Stay connected through our social media (LinkedIn: PULSERacingVU and Instagram: Pulse.racingnl), and bi-monthly newsletters and witness how we’re making strides in restoring mobility and transforming lives during the CYBATHLON 2024!

About the Pilot

Meet Peter, a passionate 33-year-old athlete who refuses to let a spinal cord injury, sustained in a diving accident in June 2020, dim his love for sports. Despite complete paralysis, Peter continues to chase his athletic dreams with the help of PULSE Racing and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) technology.

PULSE Racing, a vibrant team of dedicated students from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, empowers Peter to break a sweat and push the limits of FES. Their mission is to advance this groundbreaking technology and help others benefit from it.

Excited about the upcoming CYBATHLON 2024, Peter is determined to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps. "Four years ago, my predecessor won, and this year it's my turn to do the same," he shares.

"I enjoy exercising with the help of FES. Plus, it's great fun being with a group of students," says Peter. Join us in supporting Peter and the PULSE Racing team as they strive for victory and inspire many along the way!

About the Device

Introducing the BerkelBike, the ultimate fusion of handcycle and recumbent bike technology, designed to harness the power of both your arms and legs. Ideal for individuals with limited or no use of their legs, this innovative propulsion system allows you to leverage the strength of your arms and shoulders to support leg movement. Known for its lightweight design and exceptional stability, the BerkelBike offers customizable options in length, width, seating height, and angle to meet your specific needs. Equipped with a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) system, it enables the inclusion of paralyzed legs in the cycling motion, making it the perfect choice for PULSE Racing in the CYBATHLON 2024.

Videos

November 13th 2020, 12:00 am

PULSE Racing - Team Portrait

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