Pedal power pilot study: adapted dynamic cycling for children with cerebral palsy

Visser, Karen Susan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6409-7492, Todd, Gabriela, Horrocks, Lyn and Pickering, Dawn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4779-5616 2012. Pedal power pilot study: adapted dynamic cycling for children with cerebral palsy. Clinical Rehabilitation 26 (3) , pp. 280-287. 10.1177/0269215511425764

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Background: Children with cerebral palsy can have limited activity levels and decreased muscle strength. Adapted dynamic cycling, using adapted cycles, may increase their activity levels and strength. This pilot study investigated the effects of six adapted dynamic cycling sessions on lower limb muscle strength. Method: The School of Healthcare Studies Research Ethics Committee, Cardiff University, provided ethical approval. Parents and children volunteered for participation following written informed consent. In a same-subject experimental design, four bilateral quadriceps and hamstring strength measures were recorded at 90 degrees knee flexion, while seated. Children participated in six adapted dynamic cycling sessions over 8 weeks using an outdoor circuit, increasing time and distance cycled as able. Results/Findings: Eleven children (5 boys, 6 girls) aged 2.6–17.8 years (SD 5.56) participated. Mean strength differences (right quads=11.51N; SD 3.99; left quads=17.43N; SD 14.96; right hamstrings=8.4N; SD 1.80; left hamstrings=7.4N; SD 1.6) were analysed with non-parametric Wilcoxon’s rank sign test; significance level P<0.05. Quadriceps strength changes were significant (right=0.028; left=0.026). Hamstring strength changes were not significant (right=0.075; left=0.114). Conclusion: Adapted dynamic cycling provides an opportunity for increasing activity levels and strength in children with cerebral palsy. This pilot study found significant differences in bilateral quadriceps strength following six adapted dynamic cycling sessions, however the study is limited. A larger study with control group is recommended.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Health. Child health services
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
ISSN:	0269-2155
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2022 08:14
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/31343

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item