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 th...
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Children |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/3/382 |
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| author | Loredana Tschenett Heiner Baur |
| author_facet | Loredana Tschenett Heiner Baur |
| author_sort | Loredana Tschenett |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <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. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4d0a56583c2d494dbd4de610909d19e6 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2227-9067 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Children |
| spelling | doaj-art-4d0a56583c2d494dbd4de610909d19e62025-08-20T02:11:04ZengMDPI AGChildren2227-90672025-03-0112338210.3390/children12030382The Effectiveness of Leg- and Arm-Powered Trike Training Among Children with Impaired Walking Ability—A Pilot StudyLoredana Tschenett0Heiner Baur1Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Stadtbachstrasse 64, 3012 Bern, SwitzerlandDepartment of Physiotherapy, School of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Stadtbachstrasse 64, 3012 Bern, Switzerland<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.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/3/382bicyclingexercisemobility limitationwalkingdisabled childrencerebral palsy |
| spellingShingle | Loredana Tschenett Heiner Baur The Effectiveness of Leg- and Arm-Powered Trike Training Among Children with Impaired Walking Ability—A Pilot Study Children bicycling exercise mobility limitation walking disabled children cerebral palsy |
| title | The Effectiveness of Leg- and Arm-Powered Trike Training Among Children with Impaired Walking Ability—A Pilot Study |
| title_full | The Effectiveness of Leg- and Arm-Powered Trike Training Among Children with Impaired Walking Ability—A Pilot Study |
| title_fullStr | The Effectiveness of Leg- and Arm-Powered Trike Training Among Children with Impaired Walking Ability—A Pilot Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Effectiveness of Leg- and Arm-Powered Trike Training Among Children with Impaired Walking Ability—A Pilot Study |
| title_short | The Effectiveness of Leg- and Arm-Powered Trike Training Among Children with Impaired Walking Ability—A Pilot Study |
| title_sort | effectiveness of leg and arm powered trike training among children with impaired walking ability a pilot study |
| topic | bicycling exercise mobility limitation walking disabled children cerebral palsy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/3/382 |
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