CYBATHLON 2024

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FES / Functional Electrical Stimulation Bike Race

Vienna FES

AustriaAustria

About the Team

Vienna has a distinguished history in the field of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), contributing significantly to its evolution from early innovations in implantable stimulators for gait restoration, to the discovery of stimulation for denervated muscles, and even advancing atrophy prevention in space. The pioneering efforts of Viennese researchers have left an indelible mark on the development of FES as we know it today.

In tribute to this legacy, VIENNA FES is picking up new momentum, building on the fundamental knowledge of previous generations. As an academic team, it is affiliated with the Medical University of Vienna. The team is led by Martin Schmoll, who is proud to present VIENNA FES as the first Austrian team to participate in the Cybathlon 2024, competing in the FES-Cycling discipline.

The team benefits from an exceptional collaboration with the Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Occupational Medicine. Under the guidance of a.o. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Richard Crevenna, MMSc, MBA, the team's training and medical supervision are tightly monitored by Dr. Anna Pataraia, ensuring the highest safety standards for the pilots. Additionally, the team is supported by Dr. Timothy Hasenöhrl, a sports scientist who provides expert advice on training regimens and nutrition.

From a technological standpoint, VIENNA FES is composed of a team of highly skilled engineers with diverse expertise. Only through the intense dedication of Quang Nguyen (electronics and multimedia), Bernhard Rosenauer (mechanics) and Erik Kornfellner (3D printing and technical support) it is possible to tackle this interdisciplinary challenge. The team additionally benefits from the invaluable insights and mentorship of original VIENNA FES pioneers Winfried Mayr, Manfred Bijak, and Hermann Lanmüller.

The team´s mission is clear: “Pushing the boundaries of FES-Cycling”

Credits:
Header image: Andreas Renner
Other media: Quang Nguyen and Team

About the Pilot

Nikolaus Tellian is one of the pilots competing for Austria at the CYBATHLON 2024. He is currently 40 years old and was an enthusiastic mountain biker in the past. After an unfortunate accident in 2021, he ended up with a complete paralysis of his legs. Since then, he is actively engaging in various therapy and sport programs. Besides his full-time job at Lagermax Autotransport GmbH, he is conducting a home-based FES-Cycling training on a Berkelbike Fitness 2 – 3 times a week. With his participation he wants to encourage other people in a similar situation to not give up and to look towards possibilities instead of inabilities.

About the Device

A commercially available Trike (ICE VTX) was modified for FES-Cycling, aiming to help individuls with spinal cord injury to cycle over-ground. Key adaptations include cushioned seating, specialized orthotic pedals for leg stabilization and a crank-power meter (Rotor 2INPOWER). The bike is powered solely by the user's stimulated leg muscles, activated using an electrical nerve stimulator (Motimove 8) in its “Research Mode.” Safety features include an emergency stop and adjustable stimulation intensity controlled via handlebars. Stimulation can be applied manually or automatic, with data processed by the custom-developed IMUSEF software on a Raspberry Pi (Model 4B). Configuration can be adjusted wirelessly, though real-time monitoring is optional.

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