Use of Frame Running for Adolescent Athletes With Movement Challenges: Study of Feasibility to Support Health and Participation

Abstract

Children and adolescents with movement challenges have lower instances of physical activity and longer time spent in sedentary behaviors compared to children with typical development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a sport-based youth development running program modified for accessibility using a running frame and to evaluate initial evidence for its efficacy on endurance and functional strength. We completed four 8-week seasons (2–3 times per week) in a combination of 3 different formats by season: online remote (winter and spring), in person in a community park (winter, spring, and summer), and in person in an afterschool setting (autumn). Participants included 13 athletes (average age 14.46 years, range 8–18 years, 4 females), who collectively completed 22 season blocks. Diagnoses included cerebral palsy (n = 10), arthrogryposis (n = 1), Dandy-Walker malformation (n = 1), and transverse myelitis (n = 1). In all settings, participants engaged in activities of social emotional learning, cardiovascular endurance, and muscle strengthening in a progressive manner. We found that each season format was feasible to administer with high attendance rates (76–97%) and positive qualitative feedback from athletes. In addition, promising average improvements in motor performance across a season (6 min frame running test, 170 m; timed up and go test, 8.44 s; five times sit to stand, 14.1 s; and Goal Attainment Scale, t = 65.01) were identified in the pilot data of this non-randomized cohort. Training in any of the proposed settings with an overall goal of completing a community race in a running frame is feasible and warrants further study.

Lifelong Fitness in Ambulatory Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy I: Key Ingredients for Bone and Muscle Health

“…They have shown that a child with diplegic CP at GMFCS Level II was able to improve his scores on the GMFM through ongoing engagement in the Dance Program. Sukal-Moulton and colleagues [98] similarly showed an improvement in self-efficacy and self-perception in an adolescent with diplegia following participation in a running program using a running frame for aerobic training, including engagement in a community race. At the conclusion of training, the participant stated, "we are a family of runners now" in reference to joining her parents and younger brother in running for fitness; this was followed by a study where group level differences were found [98].…”

“…Sukal-Moulton and colleagues [98] similarly showed an improvement in self-efficacy and self-perception in an adolescent with diplegia following participation in a running program using a running frame for aerobic training, including engagement in a community race. At the conclusion of training, the participant stated, "we are a family of runners now" in reference to joining her parents and younger brother in running for fitness; this was followed by a study where group level differences were found [98]. The inclusion of psychosocial features into any program designed to increase physical activity while augmenting bone and muscle health may significantly contribute to immediate and long-term sustainability and enrich quality of life [108].…”

“…Community-based training alternatives are also important for promoting mobilitybased participation. RaceRunning (or Frame Running), which uses a three-wheeled running frame, is an example of how children within GMFCS levels I-IV can successfully engage in community-based sports programming if provided with adaptation [98]. Further, muscle hypertrophy and an increase in cardiorespiratory endurance were observed after a 12-week program across a wide age range (9 to 29 years) and mobility levels (GMFCS I-IV) [99].…”

What Do We Know about Frame Running? A Narrative Review

“…Recent protocol studies (18)(19)(20) have provided a well-organized methodology for feasibility studies. Future studies can therefore shed light on the effects of FR practice on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and functional mobility.…”