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Riding a tricycle provides both fun and fitness, and is a therapeutic activity that allows children to exercise their lower extremities. As the muscles move through cycling motions, they are flexed, extended and stretched. This range of motion is crucial for children with disabilities, because muscles are incapable of keeping up with bone growth unless fully extended. Disabling contractures are a consequence of immobility.
While an activity with a wide range of motion encourages muscles and bones to grow at the same rate, cycling has the added benefit of strengthening gross motor control development. On a Rifton Tricycle, the student participates to the extent that ability allows. Over time, improved strength of quadriceps, hip extensors, and the ankle muscles, as well as improved trunk stabilization and balance will show itself. The staff member is in front of the student when using the guide bar, providing eye contact, encouragement and motivation. With practice, the student’s own spatial awareness will improve, to maneuver the tricycle with increasing independence.
In cycling, the hips, knees, and ankles practice muscle activation and motor control in similar patterns to walking. Riding a tricycle trains the student’s lower extremities to move in a reciprocal pattern and in a progression line, strengthening these muscle groups. Consistent opportunity for cycling may positively affect gait training.
As children grow older, it becomes an increasing challenge to interest them in rehabilitation. The use of a tricycle makes therapeutic activity fun and worthwhile. Trike riding encourages socialization and the development of friendships, especially when inclusion enables children with special needs to ride alongside their peers.
Dr. James Gage of Gillette Hospital has been instrumental in Gait Analysis, learning about the walking abilities of children with cerebral palsy. In an interview with Freedom Concepts, Dr. Gage, an enthusiast for the benefits of cycling, explained that cycling promotes valuable exercise for balance, muscle flexibility, and strength. Remarkably, he also stated that as therapists become more knowledgeable about the effects of different therapeutic techniques, the use of wheelchairs will decrease dramatically in the future.
This remarkable statement should give therapists confidence to promote the use of supportive mobility equipment for the physically involved student throughout the school day. Adaptive tricycles and gait trainers provide practice in motor skills that positively impacts muscles, joints and motor control for the student’s functional ability in the future.
Use of the Rifton Tricycle requires the prior approval and ongoing guidance of a qualified therapist. Close supervision of the user is necessary at all times to assure safe use of this product.
The following article outlines the specific features and accessories of the Rifton Tricycle.
The Rifton Tricycle is available in three sizes: Rustler (small), Ranger (medium), and Wrangler (large). The Rustler serves children up to 150lbs in weight, the Ranger up to 160lbs, and the Wrangler up to 200lbs. The measurement of the student’s inside leg length, as compared to the distance from the seat center to the extended foot pedal, is the most effective way to determine which tricycle is the appropriate size. The adjustability of seat height and overall tricycle size range assures that a child will always have a tricycle to ride, as they grow older and larger. Rifton Tricycles are currently available in Lime Green, Red, and Blue. (Figure 1) |
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| Figure 1 |
The large, puncture-proof BMX-type wheels ride easily on indoor surfaces or outdoor pavement. A hidden stop prevents over-steering of the front wheel. The steering function is separate from pedaling, making it easier for an early learner to maneuver the trike. A low gear ratio makes pedaling easier for beginners; this feature also slows down speeders! The drive chain is enclosed for safety. The wide wheelbase adds stability, yet the largest size fits through a standard 32" doorway for ease of indoor mobility. (Figure 2) |
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| Figure 2 |
The pulley system, attached at the back end of each pedal, keeps the pedals level as the child actively propels the trike. For children whose extreme tone forces the front of the pedal downward, an optional Front Pulley system is available. Hook and loop straps keep the user’s feet securely in place. (Figure 3) |
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| Figure 3 |
The low transfer step and open access allows safe mounting on and off the Rifton Tricycle, and easy access for the caregiver. The parking brake at the rear wheels is engaged and disengaged quickly and easily to assure safety. (Figure 4) |
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| Figure 4 |
The snap-out storage tray between the rear wheels is easily reached for transporting items, and can be removed for cleaning. (Figure 5) |
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| Figure 5 |
Tricycle seats are upholstered for comfort, and come with an adjustable seat belt. There are two seat sizes available for the Rustler (small) and Ranger (medium) models: Small (10" wide, 10" long) and Large (16" wide, 12" long). The Wrangler will come with the large seat. (Figure 6) |
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| Figure 6 |
The backrest frame itself can be moved farther forward or farther back from the seat, by loosening and tightening the knob under the tricycle seat. The backrest pad can be moved up or down along the backrest frame to optimize support. The backrest pad has an adjustable strap to secure the trunk if needed. An additional backrest pad can be ordered, so that there are two backrest pads on the frame, if desired. |
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All three sizes of tricycle have the option of the Conventional handlebar or the Loop handlebar. The Conventional handlebar has standard handgrips and is height adjustable. The Loop handlebar is covered with foam, and can be positioned at any angle. In the horizontal position, it can provide forearm support for the user. (Figure 7) |
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| Figure 7 | |
The Handbrake comes standard on the Wrangler, the largest tricycle. The handbrake is an option for the medium tricycle, the Ranger, and is factory-installed on either choice of handlebar style. On the Loop handlebar, the handbrake can be mounted anywhere on the foam padded handlebar for the user. (Figure 8) |
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| Figure 8 |
The Trunk Support System stabilizes a child that has poor balance. It attaches easily onto the backrest frame and is height adjustable. The strap at the back secures with hook and loop fastener directly behind the child’s back, and the front strap closes with a buckle. When unbuckled, the caregiver can swing open one side of the Trunk Support for easy access. If you have difficulty closing the hook and loop fastener at the student’s back, double check to make sure that the extra length of strap in front by the buckle is not excessively long. Re-position the straps for best attachment circumferentially around the user. (Figure 9) |
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| Figure 9 |
For a student with a tall trunk who does not need a full Trunk Support system, but does need to be provided with sufficient support at the trunk, it is possible to use more than one backrest pad on the backrest frame. The Additional Backrest Pad with its adjustable strap and buckle provides additional support. (Figure 10) |
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| Figure 10 |
The Front Pulley System maintains a level pedal for children whose extreme tone forces the front of the pedal downward. (Figure 11) |
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| Figure 11 |
The Abductor mounts easily without tools, and provides comfortable abduction if needed. The Abductors for the Ranger (medium) and Wrangler (large) are height-adjustable with a snap button. (Figure 12) |
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| Figure 12 |
To assist a new rider learning movement and balance, the caregiver uses the guide bar to steer and pull the tricycle. Even when the user does not participate at all, the wheels and the pedals will move around, providing range of motion for the lower extremities. The caregiver will be in front to steer the Tricycle and provide eye contact, encouragement and motivation. The Guide Bar snaps into place, tool-free. (Note: The Communication Tray and the Guide Bar cannot be used at the same time.) (Figure 13) |
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| Figure 13 |
The Communication Tray comes in two sizes, is easy to clean, and is designed to hold small items such as a communication device. The Large Tray (11½ x 13½ inches) fits the Wrangler, and the Small Tray (8½ x 12½ inches) fits the Rustler and Ranger. (Figure 14) |
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| Figure 14 |