Effect of a Wheelie Training Method With the Front Wheels on a Ramp in Novice Able-Bodied Participants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine if wheelie training that begins with learning how to balance with the front wheels on a ramp would increase the success rate, reduce the training time, and improve retention rates. A randomized controlled trial design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of wheelie training on a ramp setting (ramp group, n = 26) and conventional training (conventional group, n = 26). The main outcome measures were success rates in achieving wheelie competence, training time, and the retention rate in 7 and 30 days respectively. The results showed that the success rate for each training group both reached 100%. The mean training times for the conventional group and the ramp group were 86.0 ± 35.7 and 76.0 ± 25.8 minutes. Training time was not significantly affected by the training method (p = 0.23), but it was affected by gender, with women requiring an average of 92.0 ± 31.4 minutes in comparison with 70.0 ± 27.5 minutes for men (p = 0.01). The skill retention rate after 7 and 30 days was 100% for both groups. Neither success rate nor training time for wheelie skill acquisition by learners were improved by learning wheelie balance on a ramp. However, a high retention rate of wheelie skills for both training groups was found, which implies that success can be achieved by training on a ramp used in this study.

Perspectives of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury on fall circumstances and fall prevention: A mixed methods approach using photovoice

“…A wheelie (i.e. balancing on rear wheels) is an important skill as it allows a wheelchair user to negotiate curbs and confined spaces, as well as safely and independently navigate their environment [ 41 ]. Yet, many wheelchair users cannot perform a wheelie [ 42 ].…”

“…as safely and independently navigate their environment [41]. Yet, many wheelchair users cannot perform a wheelie [42].…”