Lode for Life - Understanding Movement & Performance Together we can transform your specific ideas and wishes into custom-made products.
Ever since Freerk Lode manufactured the first electro-magnetic cycle ergometer in 1952, accuracy, reliability and durability have been fundamental for further developments. Having started years ago in the small market of cardiology and pulmonary function, Lode BV has become a specialist in the complete spectrum of medical ergometry. Lode is world renowned as a manufacturer of high quality ergomete
rs and the Lode brand stands for accuracy, durability and ergonomic design. The Lode product range varies from bicycle ergometers and treadmills to recumbent, arm and supine ergometers and ergometry software. Long-term experience in manufacturing medical equipment and continuous development to meet the changing requirements of the market, make Lode a flexible and reliable partner. Before leaving the factory all Lode ergometers are dynamically calibrated and, of course, all units are produced under the strictest quality control conditions. Lode is ISO 9001:2008, ISO 13485:2003 and FDA certified and fulfils the EU Medical Device Directive MDD 93/42/EEC. Over years of use, service costs are almost negligible. In other words:
Lode is the standard in Ergometry
31/07/2025
The Lode Angio Stress Support Ultrasound supports research on LA Fibrosis in endurance cyclists
Dr. Jan-Peter Smedema from South Africa recently started using the Lode Angio Imaging with Stress Support Ultrasound (ASSU), among other things, for his research into the effects of endurance sports on the heart.
Dr. Smedema is involved in research investigating left atrial (LA) remodeling in lifelong endurance athletes. The research shows that LA fibrosis is limited but unevenly distributed, particularly along the posterior LA wall. Notably, athletes participating in long-distance mountain bike races demonstrated a significantly higher fibrotic burden than others.
This research is being conducted in collaboration with Luuk Hopman, Jeroen Swart, Mayamiko J. Steenhoek, Irene Frenay, Vijay Dahya, and Marco G***e. In the next part of this research, the Angio Imaging with Stress Support Ultrasound will be used to capture detailed cardiac function during exercise.
The Angio Imaging ergometer with stress support ensures optimal heart visualization during exercise echocardiography. With an electronically adjustable backrest and lateral table tilt up to 45°, the Angio enables optimal access for ultrasound imaging while maintaining patient comfort and stability. 🏃♂️💓
We are proud that our products contribute to this important research and wish Dr. Jan-Peter Smedema and all involved every success!
29/07/2025
Advanced sports and rehabilitation centre opened in Kokrajhar
The High Performance Sports Training & Rehabilitation Centre was recently inaugurated in Kokrajhar. This state-of-the-art facility, officially opened by Abhinav A. Bindra OLY, a former sport shooter and Olympic champion, offers advanced resources to support athletes and para-athletes and enhance sports performance in the region.
We would like to thank DIGPAL SINGH RANAWAT and our distributor Abhinav Futuristics Pvt. Ltd. for their efforts in the installation and congratulate the centre on the successful and festive opening of this inspiring project. We wish them continued success in the future.
24/07/2025
Summer has arrived, and with it a short production break.
🛠️ Our factory will be closed from Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 9. During this time, no production or shipping will take place.
Our sales and support teams remain available, but please note that response times may be slightly longer than usual due to the holiday period.
Full operations will resume on Monday, August 12.
We wish everyone a wonderful summer! 🌞
10/07/2025
Last week, our colleagues proudly represented Lode during the 30th edition of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS) Congress in Rimini. For four inspiring days, they showcased our high-performance medical ergometers, held live demonstrations, and engaged in meaningful conversations 🙌
We had the pleasure of connecting with many international distributors, suppliers, researchers, and (potential) customers. Questions from users were answered on the spot, and we had valuable discussions on how Lode solutions contribute to sports medicine and performance diagnostics 💬💡
We look back on a week full of innovation, collaboration, and new connections. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth!
08/07/2025
Today we had the pleasure of welcoming Phil & Flo Creative Studio, creators of authentic visual stories for brands, to our office in Groningen for a new product filming session.
Our ergometers, treadmills and test setups were professionally captured for use in presentations, manuals, and communications.
Thank you for your craftsmanship and great collaboration!
We’re looking forward to seeing the final results.
03/07/2025
This weekend marks the start of the Tour de France in Lile. a showcase of world-class endurance, power and preparation. Reaching this level of performance requires structured, science-driven training with uncompromising precision.
💡 The Lode Excalibur Sport is the Gold standard — ideally suited for training protocols that simulate the physiological demands of elite-level cycling.
With a workload range from 10 to 3000 watts, the Excalibur Sport allows for highly precise ex*****on of anaerobic power tests including the Wingate test, isokinetic performance assessments, high-intensity interval training, time trials and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). This versatility makes it ideal for every phase of athletic preparation, from baseline assessment to final pre-competition evaluation, supporting elite cyclists on their path to events such as the Tour de France.
For advanced biomechanical analysis, a version with Pedal Force Measurement (PFM) is available, providing precise left/right leg force data, which can help identify asymmetries and optimize pedaling efficiency in competitive cyclists.
We wish all riders a strong and successful Tour, and all viewers an exciting and inspiring few weeks of cycling at the highest level.
🔗 Learn more about the Excalibur Sport: lode-ergometry.com/product/excalibur-sport
Software
02/07/2025
Today is the second day of the 30th edition of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS) Congress in Rimini — an international event for professionals in sport science, physiology, and medicine. We are present at booth 19 and look forward to connecting with experts from around the world.
Our colleagues are happy to welcome you for a conversation, product demonstration, or to explore how our solutions support performance diagnostics and sports medicine.
At our booth, we are showcasing two of our high-performance ergometers, specifically designed for sports medicine applications:
🚴♂️ Excalibur Sport – internationally recognized as the gold standard in cycling ergometry, offering outstanding accuracy and a workload range up to 3000 watts.
🏃♀️ Valiant 2 Sport – a premium treadmill with smooth acceleration, precise speed control up to 25 km/h, and full compatibility with all major ECG and CPET systems, including seamless integration with our own LEM software.
Feel free to stop at our booth — we’re excited to meet you!
26/06/2025
From July 1–4, Lode will be present at the European College of Sport Science (ECSS) Congress in Rimini. During this 30th edition, professionals in sport science, physiology, and medicine will come together for knowledge exchange and the latest innovations. Visit us at booth 19, where our colleagues will be happy to meet you.
On display at our booth are two of our advanced sports medicine ergometers: the Excalibur Sport and the Valiant 2 Sport.
The Excalibur Sport is internationally recognized as the gold standard in cycling ergometry, offering exceptional accuracy and a wide workload range up to 3000 watts—making it ideal for performance testing across the full spectrum of athletes.
The Valiant 2 Sport is a high-end treadmill designed for demanding sports medical applications. It features smooth acceleration, precise speed control up to 25 km/h, and seamless compatibility with all major ECG and CPET systems, including integration with our own LEM software.
Visit our booth – stand 19 – and let’s connect!
24/06/2025
PT Tripatria Andalan Medika, our distributor in Indonesia, recently organized a dedicated workshop in collaboration with Dr. Badai during a national event hosted by the Indonesian Heart Association in Bandung, West Java.
The event brought together a wide range of healthcare professionals — including cardiologists and rehabilitation specialists — to exchange knowledge and delve into the latest innovations in cardiovascular care.
During the workshop, PT Tripatria Andalan Medika presented several advanced Lode solutions, including the Lode Cardiac Rehab Manager (LCRM), the Valiant Rehab, the valiant CPET and the Corival Recumbent.
The LCRM offers a scalable, patient-centered solution tailored to the needs of modern cardiac rehabilitation centers. With its configurable setup, real-time monitoring, and full integration with various medical systems, it enables healthcare professionals to deliver efficient, high-quality care tailored to each individual patient.
We sincerely thank PT Tripatria Andalan Medika for the professional organization of this impactful workshop. The presentation looked excellent!
What if we could detect heart disease while the heart is actually working? In a groundbreaking study at the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences and Imperial College London, participants cycled inside an MRI scanner — using a Lode MR Ergometer — to directly visualize heart function during exercise.
🔍 Purpose of the study:
To improve the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases by capturing MRI images during physical exertion, not just at rest. This approach helps identify conditions that only become apparent under stress, such as exercise-induced heart failure or coronary artery disease.
💡 What makes this study unique:
Typically, stress MRI relies on medication (like dobutamine) or contrast agents to simulate a stressed heart. In this study, that was not necessary: participants exercised using their own muscles, breathing, and heart rate. This makes the results more natural — and clinically relevant.
Moreover, the study shows that real physical exercise inside the MRI — without drugs and without image distortion — is both safe and feasible. The Lode MR Ergometer enables this through precise, artefact-free resistance in a fully MRI-compatible setup.
The Lode MR Ergometer enables safe, reliable exercise-based diagnostics inside the MRI; eliminating the need for pharmacological stress agents. Engineered for real-time, dynamic cardiovascular testing, it integrates effortlessly into clinical workflows — and is trusted by over 100 hospitals worldwide.
🔬 Supported by:
Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, and the NIHR Imperial College Biomedical Research Centre
In the WheelPower project, the goal is to enhance the performance of athletes in manual sport wheelchairs. By measuring power output during training and competition, athletes and coaches receive direct, objective feedback — enabling them to optimize training more effectively. 🎯
A key role is played by the Esseda wheelchair ergometer from Lode. This wheelchair ergometer is used in laboratory settings to accurately measure athletes' maximum (an)aerobic power. The Esseda accurately measures power and speed through integrated sensors and separate left-right force analysis. With realistic inertia simulation and high measurement frequency, even the smallest differences in propulsion technique become visible. This makes the Esseda ideal for both performance optimization in sports and functional rehabilitation.
📹 In the video about the WheelPower project, you’ll see Paralympic wheelchair tennis player Tom Egberink in action at Papendal. Researchers from institutions including UMCG - Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Delft University of Technology, and De Haagse Hogeschool / The Hague University of Applied Sciences demonstrate how the Esseda is used alongside field-based sensor measurements. The video shows how lab and field data are integrated into a dashboard that helps athletes and coaches prepare more precisely for key moments — such as the Paralympic Games.
Project partners include:
Nederlandse Basketbal Bond, KNLTB Tennis, Atletiekunie, Nederlandse Triathlon Bond, Gehandicaptensport Nederland, Sport Medisch Centrum Papendal, Lode, ProCare B.V., Revalidatiecentrum Basalt, Revalidatiecentrum Reade Sport Science & Innovation Groningen, TU Delftt and the UMCG - Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen
The Valiant 2 Sport is developed for professionals who demand more from their equipment — in sports medicine, high-performance testing, and scientific research.
This advanced treadmill offers the ideal balance between powerful performance and controlled precision. From smooth, low-speed warm-ups to intense sprint protocols, the Valiant 2 Sport provides a stable platform for reliable and reproducible data. Its design prioritizes safety, integration, and long-term durability, making it the trusted choice of top research institutes, clinics, and elite athletic facilities.
Seamless connectivity with external ECG and CPET systems, along with compatibility with Lode’s LEM software, ensures that testing is not only accurate, but also efficient and future-proof.
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Ever since Freerk Lode manufactured the first electro-magnetic cycle ergometer in 1952, accuracy, reliability and durability have been fundamental for further developments. Having started years ago in the small market of cardiology and pulmonary function, Lode BV has become a specialist in the complete spectrum of medical ergometry. Lode is world renowned as a manufacturer of high quality ergometers and the Lode brand stands for accuracy, durability and ergonomic design. The Lode product range varies from bicycle ergometers and treadmills to recumbent, arm and supine ergometers and ergometry software.
Long-term experience in manufacturing medical equipment and continuous development to meet the changing requirements of the market, make Lode a flexible and reliable partner. Together we can transform your specific ideas and wishes into custom-made products.
From our first creative ideas to production, we make it our priority to provide professionals with easy-to-use applications for measuring and analyzing human movement. All of our products are manufactured in our own establishment based in Groningen, The Netherlands.
Before leaving the factory all Lode ergometers are dynamically calibrated and, of course, all units are produced under the strictest quality control conditions. Lode is ISO 9001:2008, ISO 13485:2003 and FDA certified and fulfils the EU Medical Device Directive MDD 93/42/EEC. Over years of use, service costs are almost negligible.
The following timeline comprises the history of Lode as a subsidiary of its parent company Lode Holding. Each year takes you back into the meaningful moments of this organization. These all transition into how Lode has become the well-established corporation that it is today.
1946 - 1982
The founder, Freerk Lode, started Lode as a sole proprietorship in the city center of Groningen. A few years later, Lode's Instruments was established. Shortly thereafter, Lode began to develop and produce ergometers. The company was also an apparatus manufacturer with a variety of products for medical applications.
1983
Lode Holding (along with the subsidiary Lode) was founded by local shareholders and became the reestablishment of Lode's Instruments. The company moved from the city center to a business park in Groningen.
1984 - 1991
In 1984, Lode was taken over by the American multinational AH Robins Co. Being that Lode was now part of an American group, international export began. Lode also distributed products from its American sister companies in Europe. American Home Product Co., a large listed international company, bought AH Robins Co and therefore Lode as well. Lode moved to its actual location at the Zernike Science Park and settled on Zernikepark 16.
1992 - 2002
In 1992, management took over Lode and with that, Lode became an independent Dutch company again. In 1994, the quality system (for medical devices etc.) of Lode Holding became certified for the first time. Dynavit, a German manufacturer of ergometers, was taken over by Lode in 1997. Production of the Dynavit ergometer then continued in Groningen at Zernikepark 16.
2003
Lode Holding launched its own distribution company of professional medical and occupational measuring instruments for the Netherlands, namely ProCare B.V.. Both the direct sales activities of Lode in the Netherlands and the trading activities of the Koenders Group in Almere were accommodated in ProCare. ProCare organizes seminars and (certified) courses for the different target groups. Later on, ProCare also begins to offer complete technical services.
2005
In 2005, Lode Holding established Umaco. Umaco is a specialized product development company with a focus on specific developments for customers in the Life Science sector.
2007 - 2008
In 2007, the building of Lode Holding got expanded by 700 square meters. In 2008 Lode Holding took over Bonte Technology, a producer of treadmills. Production was then continued in Groningen. The building at Zernikepark 16, Groningen, was reopened after the expansion and the renovation of the old part of the building. This reopening was celebrated along with the 60th anniversary of Lode , the 25th anniversary of Lode Holding and the 5th anniversary of ProCare.
2009 - 2010
In 2009, Lode Holding took over aXtion. aXtion engages in innovative ICT solutions for the care and welfare sector. In 2010 aXtion moved to the building of Lode Holding in Groningen.
In 2009, Lode Holding won the Groningen Enterprise Award! The jury praised Lode Holding mainly because of its innovative and international performance.
2011 - 2013
This period was marked by several successful market introductions and a significantly growing number of collaborations with various research institutions. Additionally, a huge increase in the number of major conferences, exhibitions and internet platforms were attended within this period.
2014 - 2019
In the beginning of 2014, Lode Holding took over Biometrics Motion. Biometrics Motion was a successful company within the field of knowledge-intensive measuring equipment for biomechanical measurements, such as those that are used in motion labs. As a result, the company has acquired a complete range of motion scientific equipment. During 2014, all activities of Biometrics Motion were integrated into the daughter companies Lode and ProCare.
