Written by Mellinda Fitzgerald Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhty) Astris PME Clinical Educator
In the wake of updated World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines emphasizing the importance of physical activity for individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities, adaptive cycling emerges as an exciting avenue to promote both physical and mental well-being. The WHO recommends 60 minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, mostly aerobic, physical activity, across the week and that sedentary time should be limited. Cycling embodies all of this. Let's explore how trikes, particularly the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle and Schuchmann Momo Trike, play a crucial role in making cycling a reality for children facing unique challenges.
The Path to Inclusion:
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Framework, combined with the F-Word ICF Framework by Rosenbaum and Gorter, provides a comprehensive lens to incorporate physical activity seamlessly into the lives of individuals with disabilities. Fitness for all, prioritizing function, fostering friendships, involving family, and infusing fun become the guiding principles.
The Joy of Riding:
Adaptive trikes are becoming increasingly popular with families and therapists. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises the holistic life needs, including recreation and leisure.
Therapeutic Benefits of Cycling:
Recent clinical research underscores the therapeutic benefits of cycling, with gains in muscle strength, joint range of movement, and bone health. This has also led to demonstrated improvements in gait parameters such as walking distance, speed, and weight shift in stance as the cyclical nature of the movement of pedaling a bike/trike mimics the lower limb movement of walking and is even believed to use some of the same neural pathways of gait. These gains along with improvements in balance, gross motor function, overall improved physical activity levels and cardiovascular fitness make cycling a great activity choice.
Links to secondary benefits such as those in the psychosocial realm of confidence, participation, and engagement, add another layer of positivity to the cycling experience.
Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
The Rifton Adaptive Tricycle was one of the original adaptive trikes developed for children with disabilities who couldn’t ride a traditional bike or trike. Since the release of this trike, there have been many models of adaptive trikes developed to meet various needs of riders. Rifton has also been listening to the feedback from therapists and consumers alike on ways to improve the trike. Some amazing new features have come out of this, and the Rifton trike now meets an even greater population base. All while still retaining the recumbent biking positioning that is the easiest to use for those with very limited capabilities.
The new Rifton Adaptive Trike features include:
Additional sizes: now available in small, medium and large.
Increased weight capacity on the large from 90kg to 140kg, and on the medium from 72kg to 113kg. This is a result of design changes on the frame itself.
Small and large trunk supports with chest harness available on small and medium trikes.
Small and large swing-away laterals making postural support and transfers easier.
Variable pedal resistance and a park brake.
Low friction track for ease of height adjustment of the seat.
Carbon fibre drive belt will not rust or stretch so reduced maintenance.
Rear wheels and front end can be removed easily for transport.
Abductor with adduction straps for controlling leg movement.
Pelvic harness for firmly positioning the pelvis and providing a stable base for postural control.
Add to the already extensive list of accessories available to support even the most physically challenged participant and Rifton is a great choice of trike that will last for years of happy exploring in the world of cycling.
Schuchmann Momo Trike
For upright riding on what looks like a more traditional bike or trike, it would be hard to go past the versatility, robustness and function of the Schuchmann range of trikes and bikes.
The Momo Trike has a compact design with a low, wide frame for easy independent transfers, and an extensive range of postural supports that make trike riding possible for even those with complex support needs.
What sets the Momo trike apart though is the availability of choice of drive type, with standard rigid (allowing for freewheeling), a 7-Speed gear hub version, and even the option of electric support. Add to this a range of sizes from 12” to 26”, and both the smallest and largest riders are able to access the world of supported trike riding.
The Follow Me Momo is a clever parent-child tandem coupling system to connect the Momo Tricycle to any adult bicycle. Momo Tricycle can be connected in only a few steps and without the use of tools.
Regardless of the chosen trike, the evidence points towards the universal encouragement to "just get riding" and integrate adaptive cycling into the weekly routine. By embracing these innovative solutions, we empower children with disabilities to unlock their potential, fostering a lifelong love for cycling and promoting holistic well-being.
Astris PME have a vast range of Exercise and Recreational equipment. If you are looking for any support in this area or keen to know more, reach out to us at www.astris-pme.com.au or 1300 131 884.
Ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your Assistive Technology (AT) equipment is essential for maintaining independence and safety. Small issues can escalate if left unaddressed, potentially leading to major problems. By enrolling in our Programmed Maintenance Plan, you can proactively address these issues and prevent avoidable downtime.
AT Equipment is usually highly complex, with multiple moving parts, often performing under the stress of daily use. Doing routine inspection checks with the backup of the Astris PME Programmed Maintenance Plan will help prolong the life of your equipment and enhance safety for users.
We’re thrilled to announce that the annual Astris PME CLINICAL SUMMIT is returning to Melbourne in May! This is a not-to-be missed opportunity for Allied Health Professionals to glean insights from industry leaders, staying abreast of the latest advice and cutting-edge equipment.
We invite all Allied Health Professionals to join us at our major clinical education event for the year – the Astris PME 2024 Clinical Summit:
Date: Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Venue: Victoria Pavilion, Melbourne Showgrounds
In the wake of updated World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines emphasizing the importance of physical activity for individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities, adaptive cycling emerges as an exciting avenue to promote both physical and mental well-being. The WHO recommends 60 minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, mostly aerobic, physical activity, across the week and that sedentary time should be limited. Cycling embodies all of this. Let's explore how trikes, particularly the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle and Schuchmann Momo Trike, play a crucial role in making cycling a reality for children facing unique challenges.
We are thrilled to release TWO new Product Selection Guides for 2024 in Paediatric and Adult editions. Explore our vast range of Standers, Alternative Indoor Seating, Positioning/Sleep Systems, Supportive Pushchairs, Walkers, Hygiene, Hoists/Support Systems, Car Seats and Exercise Equipment.
The human body is inherently structured for an upright posture. From the initial stages of development, the progression is directed towards achieving an upright stance—beginning with the ability to roll over in the first few months, followed by crawling at approximately 9 months, and culminating in the act of pulling oneself to stand at around 10 months. This developmental trajectory is driven by the overarching aim of attaining the distinct perspective and autonomy afforded by independent standing and mobility.
It's time to get moving! We are excited to launch our NEW 12-page wheelchair brochure featuring a range of Active Manual & Sports Wheelchairs, Power Add-Ons, and Full Power Wheelchairs. Unleash mobility and discover freedom and empowerment!
This could be for a number of reasons such as reducing the stress on shoulder joints, insufficient strength, fatigue, independence, or accessing powered seating functions. Overall, there are likely several goals for wheelchair users and their families as well as the clinical considerations of their therapy team to take into account.
A systematic review in 2016, explored factors influencing participation of wheelchair users in their social and community environments. The scope to change outcomes by addressing some factors or accommodating for others was also identified. When looking at the “modifiable” factors, there is a wide range where the use of a power add-on unit can improve participation and access. Some examples include:
