Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Objectives. This study is to compare relationships between muscle size, strength, and power output (PO) in trained spinal cord injured (SCI) people and able-bodied (AB) people; and to compare methodologies for measuring PO during functional electrically stimulated (FES) cycling. Subjects. Trained SCI people (N= 5) and five AB subjects of similar physical characteristics. Materials and Methods. Thickness and strength of the quadriceps muscles and PO during 1) incremental exercise test (IET); 2) maximal stimulation test (MST) in SCI people and during an explosive exercise test in AB subjects. ⋯ Conclusions. Peak PO was lower than expected in trained SCI people. Muscle recruitment and efficiency during FES cycling require optimization to improve PO. An MST is a more convenient and informative measure of PO during FES cycling.