Henley-on-Thames, 9th December 2004 - James Cracknell will honour Robin Gibbons and Sol Solomou, two paraplegic rowers, with AXA PPP healthcare British Indoor Rowing Championship (BIRC) Gold and Silver medals respectively at a reception in the world famous Leander Club, Henley-on-Thames today.
Robin and Sol were two members of Brunel University's FES rowing team that took part in this year's AXA PPP healthcare British Indoor Rowing Championship (BIRC), which was held on 21st November 2004. It was the first time that able-bodied and disabled athletes participated in the same category at a major sporting event. Robin completed the 2,000m race in 12.02 minutes and Sol followed just over a minute behind him with a time of 13.59 minutes.
Speaking at the medal presentation, James Cracknell said: “It is an honour for me to present Robin and Sol with these medals. The training that they put into competing in the AXA PPP healthcare British Indoor Rowing Championship has been nothing short of inspirational. I hope that Robin, Sol and other paraplegics will benefit from future developments in FES rowing machines.”
Robin and Sol competed in the event using specially adapted Concept 2 indoor rowing machines that utilise functional electrical stimulation (FES) to help paraplegics exercise effectively by stimulating their paralysed leg muscles. The FES rowing machine was developed in collaboration with the UK Charity DEMAND and is a significant breakthrough for people with spinal disability, giving them the opportunity to lead a healthier lifestyle. Competitive participation at the event has been made possible as a result of the exceptional physical improvements experienced by the competitors since they have been using the FES rowing machine. These include unprecedented levels of cardiovascular fitness, circulation and lymphatic return as well as upper and lower body strength comparable to before their accident and an almost full reversal in muscle wastage of the legs, which can often be as much as 60% after paralysis. Robin Gibbons has reported that since using the FES rowing machine he now has enough strength in his legs to stand.
Professor Brian Andrews, the Brunel FES project leader said: “I am delighted that Robin and Sol are being rewarded for their willpower and physical hard work over the past few months. Following their success, the Brunel FES development team, along with their Canadian partners in Alberta, is keen to ensure that our findings benefit as many paraplegics as possible. With increased investment it will be possible to improve the lives of paraplegics throughout the world.”
Robin Gibbons said: “This medal represents more than just winning a competition. It is the culmination of months of mental and physical hard work. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I greatly look forward to competing in, and winning, future indoor rowing events. I truly hope that my accomplishment will help to promote the health benefits of rowing to other paraplegics worldwide.”
(Ends)
Notes to Editor:
Brunel's FES Rower uses a multi channel computerized stimulator with electrodes placed on the skin over the quadriceps and hamstrings. The rower controls each rowing stroke by pressing and releasing a switch that is mounted on the pull bar. The switch is pressed at the “catch” position to start the “drive” phase and released to initiate the “recovery” phase. Together with a specially designed computer control algorithm, smooth coordination is maintained between the voluntary, upper body movement and the electrically stimulated leg movements - effectively recreating a full cardiovascular exercise experience.
Brunel's project team is investigating a number ways of improving the performance of the FES Rower. Through improved patterns of electrical stimulation it will be possible to include and stimulate multiple leg muscles during the drive phase - helping to reduce over stimulation of the quadriceps and improve the overall workout for the user. (Developments subject to raising additional support)
The Project Participants
Robin Gibbons: Robin was a Virgin Atlantic pilot until a car crash in January 2001 left him paralysed from the chest down. A former Royal Navy diver, Robin regularly worked out in the gym and swimming pool, did sub-aqua, windsurfing as well as being a part time fitness instructor. As an extremely physical person prior to his injury, Robin is determined to maintain a high degree of fitness and made contact with Brunel University in 2003. The results for Robin from using the FES rowing machine have been outstanding. Robin is involved in research at Imperial College, London for the International Spinal Research Trust, where his blood flow is regularly measured. Researchers at Imperial College have commented that they have not seen such a healthy blood flow in a T5 complete: Robin's blood flow in his feet is almost identical to that of his hands.
Sol Solomou: Sol had a farming accident 8 years ago, which left him paralyzed from the eighth thoracic vertebra down. Keen to get involved in research projects, he started FES-cycling 4 years ago and has recently taken up the challenge of FES-rowing. Sol believes that FES has improved his overall level of fitness, muscle tone and blood circulation and is now looking forward to testing his strength and stamina in the AXA PPP healthcare British Indoor Rowing Championship. Sol works part-time for the Spinal Injuries Association's peer support team.
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James Cracknell presents Gold and Silver medals to Robin Gibbons and Sol Solomou respectively for their success in the AXA PPP healthcare British Indoor Rowing Championship |
James Cracknell and Professor Brian Andrews, Professor Neurological Disability, Brunel University present Robin Gibbons and Sol Solomou with their Gold and Silver medals respectively for their success in the AXA PPP healthcare British Indoor Rowing Championship in November. Also present is Dries Hettinga, FES-Rowing researcher at Brunel University. (Pictired l-r Robin Gibbons, James Cracknell, Brian Andrews, Sol Solomou and Dries Hettinga) |