Investigate the effect of bicycle education provided for children with autism on recognising bicycle and cycling skill

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of bicycle training on children with autism on their ability to recognize and ride cycling. The sample of the study consisted of 33 children aged 5-17 years. The prepared program was applied for 3 days per week and 2 sessions for each child separately. "Cycling riding skill observation form for autistic individuals" which prepared by Kavlak was used as a data collection tool.

It’s Not Just about Bicycle Riding: Sensory-Motor, Social and Emotional Benefits for Children with and without Developmental Disabilities

“…Thus, findings from this study partially support previous research; successful bicycle riding can be achieved in five days in children with developmental challenges who are 6 years and older. This is consistent with studies showing children learned to ride using a variety of dosage models: 2 h/4 days a week [ 11 ]; 75 min/5 days a week [ 15 ]; 45 min sessions 3 times a week in a group and 2 individual sessions [ 14 ]. This study provided intervention for only 60 min a day for five consecutive days in a group format without the need for any individual sessions.…”

“…The lack of adequate physical activity is a societal problem and a problem for children with special needs in particular [ 10 ]. Physical activity sets the stage for social engagement, self-esteem, and motivation to engage in new challenges [ 14 , 35 ]. Riding a bicycle, in particular, also brings with it a special opportunity for cultural/family acceptance amongst one’s peers [ 34 ].…”

“…Two studies of youth and adolescents with Down syndrome or autism report a high success rate in learning how to ride after a five-day training program lasting 75 min per day [ 5 , 10 ]. Another study provides evidence of 100% success in learning to ride a bicycle following a program that combined group and individual session over five days [ 14 ]. Children with Down syndrome reported a slightly lower success rate (e.g., 56%) but showed bike riding was related to significantly less time spent in sedentary activity 12 months post intervention [ 15 ].…”

“…Children with Down syndrome reported a slightly lower success rate (e.g., 56%) but showed bike riding was related to significantly less time spent in sedentary activity 12 months post intervention [ 15 ]. Lastly, a study of children with developmental coordination disorder had a success rate of 89% with a range of training time from 2 to 16 h. All studies concluded that mastering bicycle skills is an important developmental milestone that contributes to a child’s happiness [ 14 ] and engagement in meaningful activity [ 10 ], however, none of these studies included measures that reflected changes in social interaction, relationships with peers/family, or feelings of self-esteem.…”

Parent perceptions of cycle training for children with special education needs and disabilities: What drives intention to cycle?

“…For example, after five days of training, 73.3% of adolescents with Down Syndrome (DS) and 85.4% with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) successfully demonstrated the ability to ride a bicycle more than 100 feet [ 11 ]. Similarly, a shorter training course also resulted in a significant improvement in cycle skills in children and adolescents with ASD [ 39 ]. Finally, on completion of a community-based cycle camp a group of children and adolescents with ASD demonstrated improved cycle skills and 60% rode independently for at least 70 feet [ 40 ].…”