I cicloergometri in medicina riabilitativa: caratteristiche tecniche e criteri di selezione

The cycle ergometer is a commonly used means of testing and
training patients with energetic disabilities (particularly in the
area of cardiopulmonary diseases). Recent evidence suggests that
cycle ergometers can also be useful in patients with subacute and
chronic stroke, brain injury, chronic degenerative neurological
conditions, and in spinal cord injury.
Commercially available cycle ergometers show wide differences
in terms of structure and function that have a direct impact on
the specific rehabilitation protocols.
The aims of this review paper are: a) to briefly review the
physiology and biomechanics of exercise on a cycle ergometer;
b) to review and discuss the technical specifications of the cycle
ergometers suited to rehabilitation settings; c) to provide
guidelines for selecting appropriate cycle ergometers for the
different categories of rehabilitation patients.
First, the physiology of exercise on the cycle ergometer and its
biomechanical features are discussed, including the patterns of
muscular activity during down- and up-stroke. Upright and
recumbent ergometers and their specific clinical indications are
compared. Finally, the technical characteristics of the cycle
ergometers (load, motor, resistance, flywheel, belt, resilience,
pedals, frame, display) are described and the specific requisites
for the different patient categories undergoing rehabilitation are
discussed in detail. Finally, guidelines are offered for identifying
the main technical requisites for appropriate cycle ergometer
selection in the different disabilities.