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

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15715513
AutoresLoredana Tschenett (Bern University of Applied Sciences, autor de correspondencia), Heiner Baur (0000-0002-4780-225X, Bern University of Applied Sciences)
Año2025
Volumen12
Número3
Páginas382-382
Fecha de publicación2025-03-19
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaChildren (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/children12030382
PMID40150664
OpenAlexW4408618135
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas33

Background/Objectives: The GO-TRYKE ® Kid (GTK ® ) 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 ® training on walking ability, GTK ® riding performance, and health-related quality of life in children with walking disabilities. Methods: 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 ® riding performance and health-related quality of life were compared before and after the intervention period. Results: While no long-term effect on walking was found, a significant short-term effect on functional walking ability was observed ( p = 0.009). GTK ® riding performance improved significantly over the training period ( p = 0.004). There were no significant changes in health-related quality of life. Conclusions: GTK ® 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

Functional movement · Physical medicine and rehabilitation · Physical therapy · Population · Quality of life (healthcare · Test (biology · Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders · Children's Physical and Motor Development · Infant Development and Preterm Care · Medicine · Psychology