Children with Cerebral Palsy - 'Voices' about cycling

This presentation will show findings from the pilot phase of a research project exploring the views of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) who participated in adapted dynamic cycling. Data will be represented from interviews with children and their families about the cycling experience and being involved in a research project. Children with CP have a variety of communication styles. The ability to capture this variety of styles and represent their views will be discussed. The use of open / closed questions and drawings are discussed to encourage the child’s participation. The observation of non verbal behaviours was used to indicate ‘assent’ for ongoing participation in the study where children had limited spoken language. The need for interpreters and translation of information sheets into the child and families first language enabled fuller representation of those from different ethnic backgrounds. Diaries were used by the parents as a record of the actual cycling experiences. This gave deeper insight into the child’s level of engagement with cycling