Purpose: The primary aim was to establish feasibility of a home-based motorised cycling intervention in non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy (CP). The secondary aim was to investigate perceived outcomes on pain, sleep, fatigue, and muscle stiffness.
Materials and method: Non-ambulant adults with CP were recruited from a specialist clinic. Feasibility encompassing recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability, practicality, and safety, was the primary outcome., Cycling frequency and duration data were downloaded from the device and augmented by a usage diary and participant survey. Participant satisfaction was rated using a 5-point Likert scale where 1 = very satisfied. Quantitative data and open-ended survey responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis, respectively.
Results: Ten non-ambulant adults with CP (5 female), 18 to 32 years, participated. The median (IQR) days cycled per week was 4 (3,5) with no serious adverse events recorded. The median (IQR) time cycled per session was 13.9 min, (10.2,19.8), per day. Participant satisfaction was high, median (IQR) 2 (1,2.5). Perceived benefits in pain, sleep, fatigue, stiffness, leg function, mood, behaviour, and social interactions were reported alongside occasional problems with spasms and foot placement.
Conclusion: This study provides preliminary data to support the feasibility of motorised cycling for non-ambulant adults with CP.
Keywords: Cerebral palsy; acceptability; adverse events; complex disability; cycling; physical activity; physical disability.
Motorised cycling appears a safe form of physical activity for non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy.Home based motorised cycling was an acceptable form of physical activity for non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy.Pain, sleep, fatigue, spasticity, and mood may be positively influenced in non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy through a home-based motorised cycling intervention.