Testimonials for Lode

The Lode Esseda wheelchair ergometer has changed from a specialized lab tool to an integrated piece of equipment, now used for regular monitoring of wheelchair sports in the Netherlands.

My research was part of ‘WheelPower,’ with the goal of measuring the (an)aerobic power output of wheelchair athletes and providing direct feedback. For this, we developed anaerobic and aerobic test protocols on the Lode Esseda wheelchair ergometer. As a result, Dutch wheelchair athletes are now regularly tested, and are using the results and the accompanying detailed push-by-push data to identify areas for improvement. This allows them to adjust their training programs, refine their propulsion technique, or modify their wheelchair mechanics — all with the goal of optimizing their wheelchair performance.

Photo by: Loraine Kaan van Kijkaan

Enhancing heart function assessment with the Angio Imaging – with stress support ultrasound

“For my research on diastolic dysfunction of the heart and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), I used the Lode Angio Imaging – with stress support ultrasound bike for exercise echocardiograms and measurements of diastolic function and filling pressures during exertion. This allowed us to demonstrate that some individuals only exhibit diastolic dysfunction during exercise, making studies of people in rest insufficient.

“The manufacturer’s service was excellent. They provided great assistance during our first use of the bike. Our hospital had no other recumbent bike that could tilt left, which significantly improves imaging during exertion. The bike’s narrow design allows comfortable echocardiography even for right-handed operators. If you have the space for exercise echocardiograms, I highly recommend Angio Imaging – with stress support ultrasound bike.”

Watch the complete Testimonial here:

English version

Watch the complete testimonial via the links provided below:

English Version

Versión en Español

Deutsche Version

Version française

Watch the complete testimonial via the links provided below:

English Version

Versión en Español

Deutsche Version

Version française

I am pleased to share my experience with the Lode bv Bicycle Ergometer with breath analysis. As a researcher, I have been using this equipment for our study to establish oxygen consumption reference values which would not have been able without the device. The Cycle Ergometer has proven to be a reliable and easy-to-use tool in our research.

The accuracy and precision of the data collected from this ergometer have greatly contributed to the success of our study. Moreover, the ergometer is incredibly user-friendly, making it easy for our participants to use and providing a comfortable experience for them. Additionally, we where able to include a large variety of subjects since the device is safe to use. This has been crucial in ensuring the accuracy and validity of our data.

I highly recommend the Lode Corival Ergometer to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient tool for their research or fitness.

I have spent the last 15 years involved in research aiming to understand heart function during exercise in the spectrum from sevre disease through elite athletes. I currently lead the HEART Lab (Heart, Exercise, and Research Trials) at St Vincent’s Institute in Melbourne Australia where we continue to develop and use some of the most innovative exercise echocardiography and exercise MRI techniques.

I have predominantly relied on Lode ergometers.  My initial tools were a Lode Excalibur for cardiopulmonary exercise testing and a semi-supine exercise echocardiography ergometer. They have never failed.  In fact, I have sometimes questioned the business model of Lode because the equipment is so robust that it never needs replacing. The electronic braking, user interface and software are intuitive and bullet proof.

In 2010 I initiated a program of exercise cardiac magnetic resonance imaging whilst based in Leuven, Belgium.  Lode were essentially the only company investing in trying to develop exercise CMR ergometers given the constraints of avoiding interference with strong magnetic fields. We have used the same ergometer to perform more than 2000 exercise MRI scans.

We are currently undertaking a long-term cohort study of cardiovascular function in elite athletes (the Pro@Heart study) that will require precise and reproducible exercise measures over more than 20 years.  The reliability of Lode’s equipment is indispensable for our long-term assessment of heart rhythm disorders in athletes.

Lode’s commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with our dedication to pushing the boundaries of cardiovascular research. The reliability, precision, and adaptability of Lode’s Ergometer have surpassed our expectations.

Our study showed that patients awaiting cardiac surgery can safely follow a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme, including aerobic exercise and resistance training during the waiting time (i.e., prehabilitation). It is extremely promising that patients with serious heart disease were able to improve their physical outcomes based on a personalised and closely monitored exercise programme before their heart problems were surgically treated. Our study included patients with limited oxygen supplies to the heart and limited blood circulation due to (stable) coronary artery disease, valve failure, and/or aortic dilatation. These cardiovascular limitations often lead to classic symptoms such as angina pectoris, shortness of breath, or fainting. In addition, there is an increased risk of cardiac events such as myocardial infarction, aortic disruption, and possible death. Despite these notions, in our study, patients awaiting cardiac surgery were highly compliant and able to safely follow an individualised comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme, in which, among other activities, supervised aerobic exercise training was provided along with ECG monitoring. Moreover, an increase in the workload-to-heart rate ratio (W/beat) was observed after both pre- and postoperative rehabilitation periods, suggesting training-based improvements in cardiac function and exercise  tolerance.

By using Lode’s equipment, it was possible to continuously measure heart rate and wattage output during training sessions. This training data was used to see if patients were able to improve their physical fitness despite their heart condition. Our experiences were good. The advantage of continuous monitoring of heart rate and training load (wattage) is that you can continuously view and store the heart rate and wattage performed during training. This gives you a good overview of the duration, intensity and number of training sessions per patient. In research, this data can be linked to various outcome measures, such as physical fitness, quality of life or postoperative complications. Therefore this data is relevant to see for whom which training is effective.