Participation in adapted dynamic cycling (ADC) - experiences of children and young people with cerebral palsy: a work in progress

Background: Children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP) may have difficulty participating in leisure activities (Fauconnier et al, 2009; Mihaylovet et al, 2004). Cycling is one activity that can be adapted to increase participation. Objective: A research study has been carried out to measure the effects of participation in six sessions of Adapted Dynamic Cycling (ADC) at a voluntary organisation cycle hire facility Methodology: Mixed method design – muscle strength measures of the quadriceps and hamstrings, and muscle length of the hamstrings were taken before and after six ADC sessions. Interviews were carried out and diaries kept about cycling experiences. Measurement data is being analysed with SPSS18 and the qualitative data by a thematic approach. Results: Seventeen children and young people volunteered to be part of the study, seven boys and ten girls aged between 2 and 17 years. Their abilities ranged from Levels I-IV on the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (Palisano et al, 1997). Fourteen complete sets of muscle strength and length data were collected, as well as twenty-six interviews and eight diaries. Preliminary findings have shown a statistically significant increase in quadriceps strength (right p=0.018; left p=0.021). Hamstring length is currently being analysed using Silicon coach. The interviews and diaries revealed the benefits of social participation increasing the participant’s sense of well-being. The affordability of hiring an adapted bike provided wider opportunity for participation. Conclusions / Implication for practice: The children and young people’s experiences were enjoyable and increased their participation. Policy makers should consider if ADC could be available for hire in their area to support the physiotherapy rehabilitation (Fowler et al, 2007)