Ride On! Implementing Cycling Interventions to Promote Participation for Children with Disabilities

This session explores how cycling, a typical activity of childhood, can be facilitated through two- or three-wheel cycle opportunities, and is a feasible, meaningful way to promote physical activity and participation for children with disabilities. Cycling interventions provide many physical, mental, and social health benefits, yet barriers to implementation may exist in traditional therapy settings because of child, equipment, and environmental-specific considerations. This presentation will outline the available evidence on cycling participation for children with disabilities. We will explore modes of cycling, interventions, and selection of equipment adaptations based on individual abilities to facilitate child cycling success. Models of practice and case scenarios will be presented to identify the spectrum of child skills, intervention considerations, and environmental factors needed to support cycling participation. Experiences from two pilot studies examining two-and three-wheel cycling, including recommendations from children and families, will be shared to deepen the clinical application of cycling. The session will include collaborative discussion with fellow therapists to share resources and consider opportunities for implementing cycling interventions within local practice settings.