Adaptive cycles, which are designed to cater to people with motor differences or disabilities, have made leaps and bounds in recent years.
You may have seen people riding adaptive bikes on your local bike paths and not even realized. The most common form is a recumbent cycle that distributes the rider’s weight over a larger area and puts less stress on lower body joints. Cycling feels amazing and provides freedom in a unique way that everyone deserves to experience – fortunately, technological improvements are making that possible.
The Health Benefits of Staying Active with Multiple Sclerosis
For people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disease where the body’s immune system attacks the insulating myelin sheath that surrounds nerves, mobility, balance, and muscle coordination often decrease as the disease progresses. This means that people living with MS can experience difficulty continuing activities, such as cycling, that they love.
Maintaining a regular exercise routine has been shown to improve and maintain muscle mass and coordination in people with MS, as well as increase cognitive function and reduce the progression of MS lesions (damage to the brain or spinal cord as a result of the disease).
Multiple Sclerosis and Cycling
Cycling in particular can be a great way for people with MS to stay active, as aerobic fitness has a protective effect against further damage to the myelin sheath. The cool breeze while cycling outdoors helps maintain lower core temperature, which prevents overheating. This is especially important because damaged nerves are more susceptible to temperature changes, and their signals slow down when exposed to heat.
Examples of New Advances in Adaptive Cycles
The BerkelBike
This adaptive cycle, made by a company called BerkelBike, is stable and much easier to balance than a traditional bicycle. It has a drivetrain that is powered by both the rider’s arm and leg movements. This is helpful for MS patients, who usually experience better locomotive control of the upper body than the lower body. The BerkelBike can be ridden with pedal assist for riders that need an extra boost on tough inclines.
The Triple Tread Upright Tricycle
Triple Tread makes an adaptive tricycle with two wheels in the front and one in the rear. It has an independent suspension on each axle that allows it to handle uneven surfaces comfortably. It is also equipped with steering technology the company calls “Tiltahedron”, which means that it handles corners better than a standard tricycle with two wheels in the back.
Adaptive Cycling Groups
Looking to join an adaptive cycling group where you can meet other riders with disabilities or people who use non-traditional cycling technology to enjoy the outdoors? Bikes for Every Body has a great list of organizations in different cities in the US that offer adaptive cycling programs, equipment, and events. Check out groups in your area to get started!
