How to use virtual cycling for recovery or gaining muscle strength
January 28, 2025

Virtual cycling is becoming an increasingly popular tool in rehabilitation programs and hospitals, offering numerous benefits for patients recovering from various conditions. From stroke recovery to joint replacement, virtual cycling helps patients regain strength, mobility, and cardiovascular health. But how does this work in practice? Read more about setting up a program, available types of programs, customizing routes, and the mental health benefits associated with virtual cycling.

  1. Setting up a virtual cycling program Getting started with virtual cycling requires some basic equipment, which can be set up either at home or in a medical facility. At its core, the setup includes a stationary bike, a tv screen and a virtual cycling software (including sensors), such as Bike Labyrinth. The sensors track the rider's movements and provide real-time feedback on their performance. A tv-screen is used to display the virtual environment that the patient cycles through.

    While some patients may choose to use the system at home (you can easily use apps like Bike Labyrinth Club), many medical facilities now incorporate virtual cycling into their rehabilitation programs. In these settings, professional guidance is available to help patients set goals, monitor their progress, and modify the program based on their individual needs. The setup process is generally simple, making it accessible for both healthcare professionals and patients.
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  2. Types of programs available There are various types of virtual cycling programs available, each tailored to different rehabilitation needs. Some programs focus on strength-building, which helps patients recover muscle mass and improve endurance. These programs often feature cycling routines that gradually increase in difficulty to match the patient's progress.

    Other programs are designed specifically to enhance cardiovascular health. These focus on aerobic exercises to improve heart function, stamina, and circulation. By monitoring the patient’s heart rate and other vital statistics, these programs ensure that the exercises remain safe while also promoting recovery.

    Additionally, some virtual cycling programs are created to improve mobility, making them particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from joint replacements or neurological conditions. These programs help patients improve flexibility and range of motion while offering a low-impact workout that is easy on the joints.

    Some platforms also offer customizable options, allowing patients to adjust the difficulty of their cycling sessions based on their progress. This feature helps patients feel more in control of their rehabilitation and ensures they’re always working at the right intensity.
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  3. Customizing virtual routes and scenarios One of the most engaging aspects of virtual cycling is the ability to customize the cycling routes and scenarios. Patients can choose from a variety of virtual environments, such as cycling through scenic forests, mountainous landscapes, or even urban city streets. This adds an element of excitement and variety to each session, making it easier for patients to stay motivated.

    These routes can also be modified to match the patient’s current fitness level. For example, a patient in the early stages of recovery may cycle on a calmer route with fewer obstacles and traffic, while a more advanced patient might opt for more challenging terrains. The ability to modify the difficulty ensures that patients are always appropriately challenged without feeling overwhelmed.

    By offering an immersive experience, virtual cycling not only supports physical recovery but also helps patients stay engaged and motivated during their rehabilitation journey.
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  4. Mental health benefits of virtual cycling While physical recovery is the primary focus of rehabilitation, mental health plays a significant role in the healing process. Virtual cycling provides numerous cognitive and emotional benefits that can support a patient’s mental well-being.

Cognitive and emotional benefits

The immersive nature of virtual cycling environments helps engage the brain, which can be especially beneficial for patients undergoing long-term rehabilitation. Mental stimulation through cycling can reduce feelings of frustration and boredom, which often accompany the recovery process. By staying engaged in these interactive environments, patients may experience a reduction in stress and anxiety.

Enhancing mood and motivation

The sense of accomplishment from completing cycling sessions can significantly improve a patient’s mood. As patients track their progress and see tangible improvements, they gain confidence in their ability to recover. The gamified nature of many virtual cycling programs offers rewards, such as points or virtual trophies, which can motivate patients to keep going.

The fun and engaging aspects of virtual cycling create a sense of enjoyment that may otherwise be absent from traditional rehabilitation exercises. This can make long-term recovery less daunting, encouraging patients to maintain a consistent exercise routine, which is essential for a successful rehabilitation process.

Try it for yourself!

Want to try virtual cycling? Download the Bike Labyrinth Club app if you want to try it out at home or make an appointment with one of our account managers to try Bike Labyrinth in your healthcare organization - for free! We will install Bike Labyrinth at your location and you can try it out for two whole weeks. Afterwards we will also come and pick it up. Fill out or form here.

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Binckhorstlaan 36
2516 BE The Hague, NL

info@bikelabyrinth.com
+3170 737 1152
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Binckhorstlaan 36
2516 BE The Hague, NL

info@bikelabyrinth.com
+3170 737 1152
International (EN)