What can a BerkelBike mean for an incomplete spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury is caused by damage to the nerves in the spinal cord. This can happen in different ways. When the nerves are only partially damaged, it is referred to as an incomplete spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury leads to weakened muscles and slower blood circulation in the lower part of the body, which can result in various health problems. Training the legs makes a positive contribution to the rehabilitation process after a spinal cord injury. The BerkelBike makes it possible to train the legs on a daily basis in an active and enjoyable way, despite a spinal cord injury.
The benefits of a BerkelBike
- Easy to transport (in a car)
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Combined propulsion using both arms and legs
- Available as a fixed-frame model
- Available as a model that can be attached to your own wheelchair
The added value of a BerkelBike
- Increase in muscle mass
- Improved flexibility
- Reduction in the number of spasms
- Improved blood circulation and bowel function
- More effective fitness and strength training than a handcycle can offer
Lourens Hoenders – Incomplete spinal cord injury
In 2013, Lourens Hoenders suffered a spinal cord injury caused by a blood clot in his spinal cord. Lourens chose to purchase an assistive device to support him in daily life: the BerkelBike Connect. This is an attachable handbike that can easily be connected to your own wheelchair.
The BerkelBike Connect allows you to cycle from your wheelchair using both your arms and legs, helping you stay fit and in good condition. The main advantage of the BerkelBike Connect compared to the BerkelBike Pro is that when you arrive at your destination, you remain seated in your own wheelchair.
Lizzie Tench – L1 – Review of BerkelBike Pro
Lizzie has always been sporty, but unfortunately she was involved in an accident in which a car with a trailer hit her. After her recovery, she still wanted to stay active, but with her first FES bike she was unable to cycle outdoors and could not achieve a full-body workout. She decided to purchase a BerkelBike.
This allows her to cycle whenever she feels like it. She rides the BerkelBike two to three times a week, alongside other activities.
Meet our latest BerkelBike products:
Monique van Gemerden – Incomplete spinal cord injury
“I get everything out of the bike that it has to offer. What makes it even better is the ability to use my arms. On the BerkelBike you sit very stably and your back is well supported. I find the option of using the arm drive very pleasant. If your legs can’t go on for a moment or you need to cycle up a hill, you can use your arms as well. I find this very comfortable.
My longest ride was 42 kilometres, all the way from Hoek van Holland to Scheveningen. I hope that BerkelBike will continue to exist for a long time and keep developing new products, so that I can continue to enjoy cycling!”
What health benefits does a BerkelBike offer?
The BerkelBike has been shown to support the rehabilitation process after a spinal cord injury, but it also provides many other positive effects. For example, the BerkelBike helps reduce the risk of developing pressure sores (decubitus) and prevents loss of muscle tissue. In addition, physical activity has a positive effect not only on the body, but also on the mind. Movement provides a good and healthy feeling throughout the day.
Another important health benefit of the BerkelBike is that it stimulates both the arms and the legs. The leg muscles are the largest muscle groups in the human body. These muscles need to be trained in order to achieve optimal physical fitness. Blood circulation in the lower body improves, which supports the rehabilitation process after a spinal cord injury.
The level of an incomplete spinal cord injury determines the body’s function and limitations. We offer various accessories that provide the necessary support to enable cycling, even for people with a high incomplete spinal cord injury. In some cases, this is combined with functional electrical stimulation.