This study reveals that it is useful to map each child's opportunities for independency, appropriate locations for performing the activity and participation with friends, when considering obtaining assistive devices. Implications for Rehabilitation The use of assistive devices gives many children with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in physical activity. Improving availability to assistive devices for physical activity should be a priority to help facilitate participation. Having opportunities to develop perceptions of competence may be essential for a child's long term participation in physical activity.

BACKGROUND: People with physical disabilities are far less active than recommended, but many are motivated for cycling on a tailor-made tricycle. OBJECTIVE: Does the acquisition of an adapted tricycle lead to better cycling outcomes, and are there differences associated with the application procedure? METHODS: An observational study was conducted with cohorts of participants applying for an adapted leg-driven tricycle via rehabilitation centres or local therapists. Questionnaires were answered electronically before applying and after having had the opportunity to use the new tricycle for at least 3 weeks. Non-parametric analyses were conducted in SPSS. RESULTS: Fifty participants (54% women) aged 5–79 years (M = 31.5) with diverse disabilities responded. Forty-seven participants (94%) used their tricycle. Results showed a significant positive change in cycling frequency, cycling performance and satisfaction with cycling (p< 0.01). The group of participants who applied at a Healthsports Centre reported higher performance and satisfaction with cycling both after testing them (pre-test) and after having used their new tricycles for some weeks (post-test). CONCLUSIONS: Acquisition of an adapted tricycle led to a higher amount of cycling, better cycling performance and higher satisfaction with cycling. The highest scores were seen among those who apply via a Healthsports Centre.

Purpose: To determine which factors are relevant when applying for the most appropriate adapted tricycle for people with disabilities. Methods: Patients participating in a rehabilitation programme and planning to apply for an adapted tricycle were invited to participate in an observational study. Measurements used were watts when pedalling, 6-minute walk test, the Trunk Impairment Scale, 30 s sit-to-stand test, Oxford Scale of muscle strength and range of motion testing. Participants answered questions about important factors for choice of tricycle. Nonparametric correlation tests were performed using SPSS to investigate relevant associations between test results and tricycle type. Results: The study included 37 participants with a large variety of complex disabilities who applied for 9 different adapted tricycles. Participants ranged in age from 5 to 79 years (M ¼ 24 years, SD ¼ 20), with almost half (49%) under 18 years of age. More than half of the participants (57%) were women. Most participants chose an assistive motor. Participants over 50 years applied for a recumbent tricycle. Answers on questionnaire revealed safety, comfort and mastery as important factors for tricycle choice. Conclusions: Large variations in personal characteristics and needs indicate that individually tailored assessments are necessary to find the most appropriate tricycle. ä IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Large variations of characteristics and needs among people with disabilities and tricycle types indicate individual-level analyses are necessary to find the most appropriate one. A large selection of tricycles and support from an experienced professional when testing are success factors for finding the most appropriate tricycle.

People with disabilities are less active than people without disabilities, and many do not reach the recommended amount of moderate intensity physical activity. This study aimed to investigate whether people with disabilities who acquired an individually adapted tricycle became more physically active, and to map which factors they reported as important for using their tricycle. People with disabilities applying for an adapted leg-driven tricycle participated in this observational study. ActiGraph GT3x accelerometer was worn for 7 days before and after acquiring the adapted tricycle (pre-and post-test). An open-ended question, in a questionnaire described factors important for tricycle use. Forty-five participants were included, aged 5 to 79 years (Mean = 32.3 years, SD = 22.7) with a large variety of complex disabilities, most with mobility impairments and some with intellectual disability. No significant change in activity level from pre-to posttest was found. However, individual differences were large. Reported reasons for not using the tricycle were bad weather conditions, pain when or after cycling, and insecurity. Reasons for using the tricycle were reported to be increased mobility, joy, and the feeling of freedom. To identify modifiable facilitators and barriers for using an individually adapted tricycle is crucial for regular use.