August 30, 2024 – A research project conducted in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano, which involved observing five individuals with complete spinal cord injuries.
With the Paralympic Games now underway, the focus is on sports practiced by people with disabilities. While sports can hold competitive value, as demonstrated by the athletes competing in the events in Paris, they often represent much more than just an opportunity for comparison. Our conviction in this belief has deepened after observing five persons with complete spinal cord injury as part of a research project conducted in collaboration with the team from the Politecnico di Milano, titled Fes-Bike.
- For six months, our athletes have trained twice a week on recumbent trikes, utilizing functional electrical stimulation to assist with pedaling. Today, two of them are preparing for CYBATHLON, an international competition where individuals with physical disabilities compete using advanced assistive technologies.
- But what have we observed over these past months? “There has been significant involvement in all phases of the research, with some athletes even participating in the design of the trike” said Emilia Ambrosini, Associate Professor at Politecnico di Milano. “We began this work during the sub-acute phase of these patients, as they returned home. It was truly remarkable to witness their rebirth into a new life – one that is undoubtedly different, yet still filled with the essence of life”.
- “From a clinical perspective, we have observed an increase in muscle trophism and a reduction in bone degeneration due to osteoporosis, which is one of the most common consequences of spinal cord injury” stated Franco Molteni, Scientific Director of the Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Research Innovation Institute. “But above all, we have noted that participation in sports has led to a significant improvement in the quality of life for these individuals. These are critical issues that my colleague Francois Genet also addresses, as he oversees the health of all the athletes competing in these Paralympic Games. To François and to all of them, I extend my best wishes for the upcoming competitions”.
