Incomplete spinal cord injury and cycling, thanks to arm and leg propulsion – the rehabilitation tricycle for adults
Incomplete spinal cord injury
If the spinal cord is only partially severed in a paraplegia, it is called an incomplete paraplegia.
In cases of incomplete spinal cord injury, it may still be possible to use the legs for locomotion, although often with the aid of walking aids such as sticks or rollators.
Therapy after an incomplete spinal cord injury
Incomplete spinal cord injury is usually treated with a physiotherapy training program, often in a rehabilitation clinic and over several months.
Cycling again with the rehabilitation tricycle for adults, despite incomplete paraplegia
The rehabilitation tricycle is a trike with special handling characteristics and drive options. This makes it particularly attractive for adults with incomplete spinal cord injuries. People with incomplete spinal cord injuries especially appreciate the arm drive, which also propels the legs. The legs can then assist in propulsion. This helps build leg muscles and relearn movement patterns, which is crucial for recovery from incomplete spinal cord injuries.
Thanks to the rehabilitation tricycle, people with incomplete spinal cord injuries can cycle again. They can take trips into nature or go on tours with other cyclists. The rehabilitation tricycle embodies a zest for life and the joy of movement.
The sporty design of the rehab tricycle is also appealing. It looks cool, like a pure sports device and not like a powered wheelchair.
This is how the rehabilitation tricycle for adults works
The additional arm drive of the rehabilitation tricycle compensates for the lack of strength in the legs in cases of incomplete spinal cord injury. This allows users to move quickly again and climb hills once more.
The different arm drive styles offer variety. This is a lot of fun, and the variety allows individual muscle groups to recover even while riding. The muscles don't become fatigued, so the cyclist with incomplete paraplegia is much more enduring on the rehab tricycle than on ordinary handcycles.
Furthermore, the various drive styles of the adult rehabilitation tricycle promote whole-body coordination. They help to restore nerve connections in cases of incomplete spinal cord injury. It has also been discovered that reflexes in the legs are positively influenced by additional arm training.
Riding a tricycle for rehabilitation is exercise in nature and an excellent rehabilitation measure that also has a positive effect on regaining leg use. Rehabilitation measures that are fun are, without a doubt, the most successful and enjoyable.
Interview with Jürgen from Oberursel - Rehab tricycle type Varibike Trike
Jürgen, you ride a rehab tricycle. How did that come about?
Since my bicycle accident in June 2019, I have been paraplegic at the T10 level with residual function in my legs. I was looking for a training/mobility device that could utilize both arm and leg strength.
Why didn't you get a tricycle with an electric motor?
For me, the training effect is paramount; that is, "the journey is the destination." While an electric motor would increase the range, it would also mean an increase in weight.
Why a rehabilitation tricycle for adults in particular? There are plenty of other sports you can do to stay fit. For example, you could go to the gym.
Market research revealed that the range of bikes with hand and leg propulsion was very small.
How long have you been riding a rehab tricycle?
05/2020
FWhat do you use your rehab tricycle for?
Trips to therapy. Family outings.
Does it also help you improve your leg movement?
Due to my disability, my leg strength is severely limited. The rehabilitation tricycle allows me to pedal along slightly, which promotes the improvement of my leg function.
Does it improve your overall body coordination?
Overall, this enables Rehabilitation tricycle Flexible choice of drive mode (arms only / legs only / combination of arms and legs). This allows for a full-body workout, which also improves coordination.
And when it comes to inclines, can you get up them easily, even without an electric motor?
I have on my Rehabilitation tricycle It's equipped with an Alfine 11-speed hub gear system. The gear range is sufficient for riding in the Taunus foothills. For longer climbs, the weight of the recumbent bike necessitates consideration of an additional electric motor.
What do you find particularly enjoyable about the rehab tricycle?
Overall, it allows me to experience the feeling of "riding a bicycle" again, despite my disability.
Are you using your rehab tricycle to get from A to B, or do you also have a training goal in mind?
The Rehabilitation tricycle For me, it's a training device that complements other therapy/training measures.
With the rehab tricycle, you can switch between different riding styles as you like. Is that beneficial?
The flexibility of driving styles is a fundamental strength of the Rehabilitation tricycle; especially in the case of a disability
Do you often switch between driving styles?
Normally I use a combination of arms and legs. When going downhill, I also pedal slightly with my legs.
Have you become stronger muscles by riding the rehab tricycle?
The remaining – albeit limited – functionality in the legs was definitely improved. Substantial strength gains are not possible due to the disability.
Was it difficult to learn how to ride the adult rehabilitation tricycle?
Initially, I had some problems with the steering due to limited core strength. I also upgraded to an ICE full carbon shell, which provides better body support.
Riders with partial spinal cord injuries have specific requirements for a tricycle. You gave us some very helpful suggestions, some of which we've already implemented on the rehabilitation tricycle. What equipment do you recommend for rehabilitation tricycle riders with partial spinal cord injuries?
Conversion to ICE carbon seat shell for better fixation
Conversion to hydraulic disc brakes – 180mm
Deactivation of the backpedal function on the crank, as this restricted maneuverability too much.
Ortlieb QL 3.1 holder on the seat for the use of Ortlieb bags.
Luggage carrier solution to enable the transport of a bulky therapy device (Ekso Skeleton).
Do you feel safe riding the rehab tricycle?
Yes
We had a lot of snow and ice this year. Do you also drive in winter?
Yes, I fitted Schwalbe Marathon spiked tires for winter use. Traction with the standard Schwalbe Big Apple tires is limited on slippery surfaces. However, the suspension comfort (at 2 bar tire pressure) is noteworthy.
Rehabilitation tricycle riding is a new sport. How do people react when you encounter them on a rehabilitation tricycle?
The man definitely stands out, as the rehabilitation tricycle is not yet very common. Occasional inquiries
Do you have any final tips for beginners using a rehab tricycle?
Test the rehabilitation tricycle extensively beforehand, especially if you have a disability. Make sure you are comfortable with the steering and the transfer to the recumbent rehabilitation bike.
Erich from Kapfenberg / Austria - Rehabilitation tricycle type Varibike Trike
Not only in Germany, but also in my home region (Styria, Austria), the Varibike rehabilitation tricycle is unfortunately completely unknown. I was looking for a bicycle that would allow me to primarily use my arms. Since I suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury in an accident four years ago, the Varibike rehabilitation tricycle is a fantastic achievement for me personally. This amazing bike allows me to continue enjoying my beloved sport!
We adapt the rehabilitation tricycle to your needs.
The adult rehabilitation tricycle is very suitable for people with incomplete spinal cord injuries.
We customize the rehabilitation tricycle specifically to your needs. For different degrees of paralysis, we have suitable accessories such as leg rests, shortened cranks, special pedals, special hand grips with straps, etc.
Just give us a call. We bFeel free to guess.
