Athlete Peter van Burk crossed the finish line of this special race in second place with a nerve-wracking difference of 1.9 seconds. Special because despite their spinal cord injuries and physical disabilities, the athletes still use their muscle power. 'This year we have made great strides in training! "I train three times a week in the BerkelBike at VU with the Dream Team PULSE racing, consisting of 15 students. We have personalised FES programmes tailored to how my legs respond to FES," Peter explains.
Innovative FES technology makes a difference
The race is also known as the bionic games. During the Cybathlon, different teams from all kinds of countries, compete against each other using the latest innovative technologies. Athlete Peter covered 1960 metres in 6.05 minutes using FES: Functional Electrical Stimulation. In this technique, short electric currents are conducted to nerves via surface electrodes on the skin. By stimulating nerves in the muscles, a muscle contraction is induced. This allows cycling under its own power. The silver medal highlights the importance of technology in creating an inclusive society.
From paraplegia to winning at Cybathlon
For Peter van Burk, it is a special day. Several years ago, he was paralysed by a dive in shallow water. The avid athlete suffered a spinal cord injury that turned his world upside down. During his rehabilitation, he came in contact with Dream Team Pulse Racing at VU Amsterdam and through their help he was able to pursue his great passion, sport, again. "I can't wait to bring home the gold at the Cybathlon for Dream Team PULSE Racing, for BerkelBike, for the Vrije Universiteit and for the Netherlands!" said Peter prior to the race.
Ready for the future
Dream Team PULSE Racing continues to focus on further development of their FES technology. The silver at the Cybathlon provides enormous motivation to continue with their mission: to develop medical technology that has a positive impact on the daily lives of people with disabilities. "This academic year, a few Computer Science students are joining the team. Together with them, we want to use AI to make personalised stimulation patterns accessible to people at home as well," says Rik Berkelmans of FES bike manufacturer BerkelBike.
15 students from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam make up Dream Team PULSE Racing. They study at different faculties such as Movement Sciences, Medicine, Health & Life, Neurosciences and Human Movement Sciences. Together, they work on one mission: improving the mobility and vitality of people with spinal cord injury. Several times a week, they meet in the lab to conduct research and set up training sessions for Peter. And also offer their help in rehabilitation centres. Research shows the effects of FES are great: the active movements improve physical fitness, blood flow and mental well-being.
Next goal: Setting the world record for FES cycling.
If you would like to keep up to date with the VU Dream Teams send an email to dreamteams@vu.nl