FES Rowing
Josh's Case Study
Josh Harcourt graduated from the FES Rowing Training Programme at the Aspire National Training Centre, Stanmore on 17 August 2006.
He was diagnosed with a C4 complete spinal cord injury sustained during a gymnastics training session in September 2004. This injury left him severely paralysed from the upper chest. Although he has no hand function, Josh still has voluntary bicep contraction which allows him to flex his arms sufficiently to FES row. Josh comments:
‘I am 19 years old and have just finished taking my A-levels at Rochester Math’s School. As a former gymnast, my interests remain sports oriented, although I do enjoy going to the cinema and night clubbing. My mum gave me the idea of getting involved in FES rowing after she had read an article about it. We mentioned it to my physiotherapist who thought my health and wellbeing would benefit from it.
As a consequence, I started the first phase of the FES rowing training programme at the Aspire National Training Centre on 31 May 2006. This first phase involved re-conditioning my legs. It’s early days yet, but I already feel that I will find the training really enjoyable and a physical challenge, which is something I had been used to prior to my accident.’
When Josh first managed to FES row the Olympic distance of 2000m, his time taken to complete the distance was 40 minutes. He now regularly rows this distance in less than 21 minutes - a forty eight per cent improvement and still improving!
Since embarking on the Aspire FES programme, the distances he can now achieve in the swimming pool have dramatically improved and he has noticed that he does not suffer from swollen feet - a condition he regularly experienced prior to FES. Josh’s family and close friends have noticed that his balance has much improved, not only in his wheelchair but during any sitting activities. His breathing has also greatly improved as a direct result of his FES rowing training.
Josh trains every day at home using FES leg-conditioning and makes the 120 mile return journey to the Aspire National Training Centre at Stanmore to participate in the rowing training three times a week. Having achieved a distance of up to 3,000m non-stop, he is now planning a 5,000m non-stop marathon and looking to start a Sports Sciences degree.