Children with cerebral palsy’s participation in physical activities, including adapted cycling: Interview and diary data

Children and Young People (C & YP) with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have limited opportunities to participate in physical activities that have health benefits. Cycling is one activity that can be adapted but such trikes are expensive. This three year mixed methods study explored the effect of participation in adapted cycling with C & YP with CP. 35 C & YP (2-18 years) participated: a cycling group (n=17) and a non-cycling control group (n=18). The cycle group participated in 6 outdoor cycling sessions, using hired adapted trikes. Interviews were conducted with families, C & YP, and physical activity diaries were kept. The data were managed by NVivo and analysed for emergent themes. In total 43 interviews and 23 diaries were collected. Data analysis showed that many families, C & YP perceived improvements in pedalling skills, control of cycling speed and steering. Many felt this was good for their muscle strength, balance and endurance. This outdoor participatory opportunity had opened up a new community environment, which enhanced their choice of activities. The cycle hire facility made this an affordable, accessible activity. All the C & YP enjoyed their cycling experiences, expressing this in a variety of communication styles. This was represented by their diverse range of verbal and non verbal means of expression. The C & YP in the non-cycling control group reported different opportunities for participation in physical activities. These included steel drumming, ball and computer games, animal care, swimming, horse riding and trampolining. The majority of these C & YP were considering adapted cycling, two children did not like cycling. The facility to hire an adapted trike was not available in all the regions where these C & YP were recruited from. Therapists, educators and policy makers should consider providing adapted cycle hire facilities for C & YP with disabilities