Cycling Therapy for Cerebral Palsy
Incredible Benefits of Cycling Therapy for Kids and Adults with Cerebral Palsy
Cycling is a fun and effective way to improve muscle function and gross motor skills in children with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorde
r characterized by impaired movement and motor function. Symptoms of cerebral palsy include weakness, overly rigid muscles, poor muscle control and muscle spasms. Physical therapy is a critical part of a treatment program for children with cerebral palsy, because exercise can improve mobility. Indeed, when children have surgery to improve muscle function and gross motor skills, physical therapy is required to gain maximum benefit form the surgery. Bicycle therapy can be an enjoyable and important part of physical therapy. Cycling can help children with cerebral palsy achieve better movement, more independence and a better quality of life.
THE BENEFITS OF A STATIONARY BIKE FOR CHILDREN AFFECTED BY CEREBRAL PALSY
Stationary bicycles are optimal for bicycle therapy. There are many adaptations of stationary bicycles to accommodate the physical disabilities of children with cerebral palsy. Bicycles can be installed with a restraint system to support a child’s upper body, or a brace can be used to keep the child’s ankle in one plane of motion when pedaling. Restraining key parts of the body allows the child to focus on the movement of cycling instead of involuntary or spastic movements that may occur. Focusing on certain parts of the body can help strengthen those areas, as well as connections to the brain that control the movement in those areas.
Bicycle therapy should be implemented as part of a regular routine for maximum benefit. In a review of various studies on cycling for patients with cerebral palsy published in “BMC Pediatrics” in 2007, researchers from multiple universities found that bicycle therapy was most effective when put into practice at least two times per week for 20 – 30 minutes each day. A physical therapist should be consulted to plan an exercise regimen that’s specific to the child’s body type and abilities.
Bicycle therapy improves all areas of motor function, including coordination, strength and range of motion. Cycling can also improve the child’s overall fitness level and cardiovascular conditioning. These benefits are reflected in other coordinated movements, such as walking, because the motions target the same brain areas. Over time, bicycle therapy can even help the child counteract muscle deterioration and overcome specific physical disabilities.
Children with cerebral palsy that are new to bicycle therapy must spend time getting accustomed to using a modified bicycle. It is common for new bicycle users to expend too much energy and overuse muscle groups unrelated to the activity because they have muscles that involuntarily contract and activate together. A physical therapist can help identify and target these automatic actions.
After a training period, cycling becomes more efficient and requires less effort from the child. Depending on the bicycle’s design, children may need special physical assistance to learn how to properly achieve the full circular pedaling motion.
BICYCLE TYPES FOR CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY & SPECIAL NEEDS
Learning to ride a bicycle is a significant milestone for children, and they love the freedom it brings. In the past, bike riding may not have been an option for special needs children, but today’s modern bikes offer a variety of options to meet the needs of many children that have cerebral palsy and special needs. Since needs vary, different bikes are needed for each child.
Tricycles
Most children are introduced to cycling through the use of a tricycle. Some children with cerebral palsy may never graduate from the stability of a three-wheeler, but modern tricycles will take even the oldest children around the block in style. For younger children, there are a variety of tricycles with adaptive supports. These include self-leveling pedals with straps, dual axle systems to reduce resistance and make pedaling easier, adjustable body support, and specialized handlebars for easy control.
Tandem Bicycles
Children with vision impairments require the assistance of a person who can see to ride a bicycle. Modern tandem bicycles, either two wheel or three wheel, allow the child to sit up front. The person in back can control all the important functions of steering, braking and gearing. The child can then pedal and enjoy the ride.
Hand Crank Bicycle And Tricycles
Many bicycles and tricycles can be retrofitted with hand crank systems that allow a child to ride without the use of her legs. For a child with limited leg use, some bikes can be retrofitted to allow combined hand and pedal power. Bicycles can also be modified with one-hand controls, shifter and brake adapters, seat belts and safety harnesses, and electric motors.
Custom Built Bicycles
Many bicycle manufacturers can build a bike to meet the needs of the physically challenged. Bicycles and tricycles can be built to accommodate varying heights, paraplegia and other challenges.
Trailers
Young children love riding in bicycle trailers pulled behind a bike. Trailer options are available for special needs children of all ages. A peditruck allows somoene to pull a trailer with a wheelchair-bound child. The trailer includes a ramp and tie downs for easy access and safety. These bikes can be equipped with an electric assist to help pull the added weight of the wheelchair.
AWARD-WINNING MICHIGAN CEREBRAL PALSY LAWYERS FOCUSING SOLELY ON BIRTH INJURY CASES
Reiter & Walsh ABC Law Centers is proud to call Detroit, Michigan home. We are a community-focused firm and have received numerous awards for our advocacy of injured children. Birth injury cases can be very complex, which is why it is imperative to have an experienced attorney if you need legal assistance. Jesse Reiter has been focusing exclusively on birth injury cases for almost 3 decades. Jesse and his award-winning team of Michigan cerebral palsy lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The attorneys at ABC Law Centers have helped dozens of children affected by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and cerebral palsy. Michigan cerebral palsy lawyers Jesse Reiter and Rebecca Walsh are currently recognized as two of the best medical malpractice lawyers in America by U.S. News and World Report 2015, which also recognized ABC Law Centers as one of the best medical malpractice law firms in the nation. The Michigan cerebral palsy lawyers at ABC Law Centers have won numerous awards for their advocacy of children and are members of the Birth Trauma Litigation Group (BTLG) and the Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ).
If your child experienced a birth injury and now has seizures, HIE, brain damage, cerebral palsy or any other long-term condition, contact Reiter & Walsh today at 888-419-2229. Our Michigan cerebral palsy lawyers are available 24/7 to speak with you.
VIDEO: MICHIGAN CEREBRAL PALSY LAWYERS TALK ABOUT CEREBRAL PALSY & HOW IT CAN BE PREVENTED & TREATED
Watch a video of Michigan birth injury lawyers Jesse Reiter and Rebecca Walsh discussing how birth injuries can cause cerebral palsy, as well as the numerous treatments and therapies for children affected by cerebral palsy.
