Impact of adapted bicycle riding on outcomes for children and adolescents with disabilities: A systematic review

Abstract

Participation of children with disabilities in the community may involve taking part in leisure activities, engaging in recreation and play, and developing social relationships with others. Caregivers of children with disabilities reported that environmental barriers frequently affect inclusion in community settings. 1 Although children with disabilities value participation in community activities and peer relationships, they continue to experience more social exclusion and have lower rates of participation in leisure activities than their typically developing peers. [2][3][4] The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework conceptualizes health and disability for all people and can be applied to children and young adults. 5 This framework recognizes the personal and environmental factors that may have an impact on an individual's functioning. The main components of the ICF that describe

Policy brief: adaptive cycling equipment for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities as durable medical equipment

“…No action would involve neither changes to CMS regulatory policies concerning AdCE for individuals with NDD nor amendments to CHRONIC Care Act. Several systematic reviews support the physical and mental health benefits of AdCE for use by individuals with NDD ( 30 , 42 , 44 , 45 ); and future investigations will provide more evidence for increasing participation, wellbeing, as well guidelines for recommended use and dosage for optimal benefits. Advocacy efforts will continue on a case-by-case basis to use the current evidence to justify AdCE to third party payers.…”

“…Adaptive cycling can be performed in community spaces, such as rail trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes, providing a means of PA that is integrated in daily routines and inclusive. ( 30 ).…”

“…Among children with CP, there is a body of evidence to support that cycling has physical benefits such as improved endurance, strength, gross motor function, gait function, and bone health ( 30 , 38 , 42 , 45 – 54 ). Improvements in gross motor function have been reported in children with CP who are non-ambulatory ( 47 , 50 ) and ambulatory with bilateral or unilateral involvement ( 51 , 53 , 54 ).…”

Exploring Adaptive Cycling Interventions for Young People with Disability: An Online Survey of Providers in Australia

“…This has led many young people with disability and their families to explore adapted cycling options through learn-toride programs [7][8][9] and try-a-bike initiatives [10,11]. To date, research has focused on cycling for physical activity, fitness, and training 2-wheel bicycle skills [12,13]. Less is known about approaches to training cycle skills for riders who are new to adaptive cycling and what factors are important to sustaining cycling participation in the home, school or community environments.…”

“…Adaptive cycling interventions are beneficial for young people with disability, including those who walk with support, with studies showing improvements in gross motor function, lower limb muscle strength, physical activity and the attainment of cycling goals [12]. Adapted cycles include modified or customized cycling equipment with specialized features, which cater for individual needs.…”