Table 3 Summary of participant characteristics across all studies

Demographics

Total participants: 999

Total men/women/NR: 782/143/74

Mean age reported: 36 ± 8 (20–60) years

Min age reported: 27 ± 9 (16–60) years

Max age reported: 47 ± 10 (20–80) years

Mean TSI reported: 9.0 ± 6.7 (0.04–33) years

Min TSI reported: 4.0 ± 6.6 (0.03–33) years

Max TSI reported: 17.6 ± 12.6 (0.04–53) years

Lesion characteristics

Lesion level averaged* (range): C6-T8 (C1-L1)

AIS A: 47 out of 92 studies

AIS B: 30 out of 92 studies

AIS C: 17 out of 92 studies

AIS D: 6 out of 92 studies

AIS NR: 30 out of 92 studies

Training status at baseline

No training in FES cycling: 66 out of 92 studies

Trained in FES cycling: 8 out of 92 studies

Training status NR: 18 out of 92 studies

Most frequent exclusion criteria

Bone fractures in the trochanter or pelvic area: 22 studies

Presence of severe osteoporosis or similar conditions: 21 studies

Too limited range of motion of hip or knee joints: 20 studies

Not able to cycle due to spasticity: 17 studies

Presence of pressure injuries: 16 studies