Physical activity is an important aspect of healthy childhood development. By participating in leisure activities, such as riding a bicycle, children can improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and bone density. In addition, engagement in leisure activities provide a child with the opportunity to interact with their community environment, learn social skills, and establish meaningful relationships with family members and peers. For many children, learning to ride a bicycle provides a gateway to lifelong recreation. Children living with cerebral palsy or other neuromuscular conditions may have difficulty performing the purposeful movements required to ride a traditional bicycle due to weakness, spasticity, contractures, or decreased balance. Pyschological barriers to biking might include low levels of self-efficacy and perceived physical competence. The aim of this study is to develop an adaptive bike assessment procedure designed to track improvements in the physical performance of riders. The findings of this study will be used to develop evidence informed set of assessment tools and protocols for evaluating the impact of adaptive cycling on the physical and psychosocial function of children with neuromuscular conditions.
For more information please contact: Dr. Jacquie Ripat at jacquie.ripat@umanitoba.ca