Home-based motorised cycling in Non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy: a feasibility study

Abstract

Purpose

The primary aim was to establish feasibility of a home-based motorised cycling intervention in non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy (CP). The secondary aim was to investigate perceived outcomes on pain, sleep, fatigue, and muscle stiffness.

Materials and method

Non-ambulant adults with CP were recruited from a specialist clinic. Feasibility encompassing recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability, practicality, and safety, was the primary outcome., Cycling frequency and duration data were downloaded from the device and augmented by a usage diary and participant survey. Participant satisfaction was rated using a 5-point Likert scale where 1 = very satisfied. Quantitative data and open-ended survey responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis, respectively.

Results

Ten non-ambulant adults with CP (5 female), 18 to 32 years, participated. The median (IQR) days cycled per week was 4 (3,5) with no serious adverse events recorded. The median (IQR) time cycled per session was 13.9 min, (10.2,19.8), per day. Participant satisfaction was high, median (IQR) 2 (1,2.5). Perceived benefits in pain, sleep, fatigue, stiffness, leg function, mood, behaviour, and social interactions were reported alongside occasional problems with spasms and foot placement.

Conclusion

This study provides preliminary data to support the feasibility of motorised cycling for non-ambulant adults with CP.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Motorised cycling appears a safe form of physical activity for non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy.

• Home based motorised cycling was an acceptable form of physical activity for non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy.

• Pain, sleep, fatigue, spasticity, and mood may be positively influenced in non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy through a home-based motorised cycling intervention.

Keywords:

• Cerebral palsy
• physical activity
• cycling
• complex disability
• physical disability
• acceptability
• adverse events

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the support of the following: Ella Hitchen memorial (07/08/1988 to 28/10/2020) donation which enabled the purchase of a MOTOmed® for use in the YACDS and the initiation of this study. Aidacare Melbourne, Mobility and Healthcare Equipment for the loan and transport of the MOTOmed® devices for the duration of the study. CP-Achieve, a National Health and Medical Research Centre funded Centre of Research Excellence. Young Adult Complex Disability Service, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. Participants and families.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.