For children with physical disabilities bike riding may not come easy. Trying to coordinate balance, pedaling and steering can be a difficult task. If you have a child with a disability you may want to consider an adaptive bike. There is a wide range of specialist bikes adapted to the specific needs of the individual and the benefits of cycling are the same for everyone, regardless of physical ability or condition.
Types of Bikes:
Two Wheeled Tandems – allows an adult to steer whilst the child can help with the pedaling.
Wheelchair Tandems –a good option for youngsters who have little or no limb movement.
Tricycles – Excellent solo option for youngsters who need the extra stability offered by a three-wheeled base (available in upright or recumbent styles).
Stabilisers can be fitted to standard bikes to offer some additional support for children who do not require a Tricycle.
Cycling is a fun way to help children be healthy, improve their fitness and strength whilst encouraging a level of independence. Alongside the physical benefits of cycling, is a sense of wellbeing. These benefits may even be magnified in those with disabilities and health problems, as there may be fewer other opportunities for exercise and mobility.
Physical Benefits of Cycling:
- Non weight bearing cardiovascular exercise
- Promotes improved postural control
- Promotes co-ordination and rhythm
- Promotes strength and stamina
- Promotes body and environmental awareness
Therapeutic Benefits of Cycling:
- Challenging
- Exhilarating
- Empowering
- Sociable
Our team of highly specialist physiotherapists can assess your child, make recommendations and arrange trials of different adapted bikes to help you find the right one. If you think your child would benefit from using an adapted bike then please contact us to arrange an assessment by calling 0207 884 0374 or or email info@physiocomestoyou.com
You can also visit the Tomcat Special Needs Innovations Ltd website to view more Tomcat Trikes like the one pictured above.