The Effectiveness of Leg- and Arm-Powered Trike Training Among Children with Impaired Walking Ability—A Pilot Study

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> The GO-TRYKE<sup>®</sup> Kid (GTK<sup>®</sup>) is an arm- and leg-powered tricycle which, in addition to promoting strength, endurance, and coordination, aims to reactivate the central pattern generators of the spine for locomotion through cyclical movements. The present study investigated the effects of GTK<sup>®</sup> training on walking ability, GTK<sup>®</sup> riding performance, and health-related quality of life in children with walking disabilities. <b>Methods:</b> Nine children trained with the device twice a week for nine weeks. Short- and long-term effects on walking ability were measured using the timed up and go test (TUG) and the two-minute walk test (2MWT). GTK<sup>®</sup> riding performance and health-related quality of life were compared before and after the intervention period. <b>Results:</b> While no long-term effect on walking was found, a significant short-term effect on functional walking ability was observed (<i>p</i> = 0.009). GTK<sup>®</sup> riding performance improved significantly over the training period (<i>p</i> = 0.004). There were no significant changes in health-related quality of life. <b>Conclusions:</b> GTK<sup>®</sup> enables children with walking disabilities to participate in cycling as part of play and sport. Further research is required to investigate its functional and participatory effects, as there is significant potential to improve physical activity and overall well-being in this population.

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Publication Details

Journal
Children
Published
2025-03-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/children12030382
Primary Topic
Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

The Effectiveness of Leg- and Arm-Powered Trike Training Among Children with Impaired Walking Ability—A Pilot Study

Heiner Baur, Loredana Tschenett
Children
Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders
article

The Effectiveness of Leg- and Arm-Powered Trike Training Among Children with Impaired Walking Ability—A Pilot Study

Heiner Baur, Loredana Tschenett
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> The GO-TRYKE<sup>®</sup> Kid (GTK<sup>®</sup>) is an arm- and leg-powered tricycle which, in addition to promoting strength, endurance, and coordination, aims to reactivate the central pattern generators of the spine for locomotion through cyclical movements. The present study investigated the effects of GTK<sup>®</sup> training on walking ability, GTK<sup>®</sup> riding performance, and health-related quality of life in children with walking disabilities. <b>Methods:</b> Nine children trained with the device twice a week for nine weeks. Short- and long-term effects on walking ability were measured using the timed up and go test (TUG) and the two-minute walk test (2MWT). GTK<sup>®</sup> riding performance and health-related quality of life were compared before and after the intervention period. <b>Results:</b> While no long-term effect on walking was found, a significant short-term effect on functional walking ability was observed (<i>p</i> = 0.009). GTK<sup>®</sup> riding performance improved significantly over the training period (<i>p</i> = 0.004). There were no significant changes in health-related quality of life. <b>Conclusions:</b> GTK<sup>®</sup> enables children with walking disabilities to participate in cycling as part of play and sport. Further research is required to investigate its functional and participatory effects, as there is significant potential to improve physical activity and overall well-being in this population.

ChildrenVol. 12(3)
Bern University of Applied Sciences (CH)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 94%
Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders
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