Ability of independently ambulant children with cerebral palsy to ride a two-wheel bicycle: a case–control study

Toovey, Rachel, Reid, Susan M., Rawicki, Barry, Harvey, Adrienne R., and Watt, Kerrianne (2017) Ability of independently ambulant children with cerebral palsy to ride a two-wheel bicycle: a case–control study. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 59 (4). pp. 395-401.

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Abstract

Aim: Limited information exists on the ability of children with cerebral palsy (CP) to ride a two-wheel bicycle, an activity that may improve health and participation. We aimed to describe bicycle-riding ability and variables associated with ability to ride in children with CP (Gross Motor Functional Classification System [GMFCS] levels I–II) compared with children with typical development.

Method: This case–control study surveyed parents of 114 children with CP and 87 children with typical development aged 6 to 15 years (115 males, mean age 9y 11mo, standard deviation [SD] 2y 10mo). Kaplan–Meier methods were used to compare proportions able to ride at any given age between the two groups. Logistic regression was used to assess variables associated with ability to ride for children with CP and typical development separately.

Results: The proportion of children with CP able to ride at each level of bicycle-riding ability was substantially lower at each age than peers with typical development (p<0.001). While most children with typical development were able to ride independently by 10 years of age, 51% of children with CP classified as GMFCS level I and 3% of those classified as GMFCS level II had obtained independent riding in the community by 15 years of age. Variables associated with ability to ride for children classified as GMFCS level I were age and parent-rated importance of their child being able to ride.

Interpretation: Some independently ambulant children with CP can learn to ride a bicycle, in particular if they are classified as GMFCS level I. Variables associated with ability to ride deserve consideration in shaping future efforts for the majority of this population who are not yet able to ride.

Item ID: 49632
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1469-8749
Keywords: cerebral palsy; bicycle-riding
Date Deposited: 24 Jul 2017 05:34
FoR Codes: 32 BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL SCIENCES > 3213 Paediatrics > 321302 Infant and child health @ 30%
42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4202 Epidemiology > 420202 Disease surveillance @ 40%
42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4203 Health services and systems > 420318 People with disability @ 30%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9205 Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) > 920501 Child Health @ 50%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920403 Disability and Functional Capacity @ 50%
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