AIM: To describe current practices of physiotherapists and occupational therapists when training two-wheel bike skills in children with cerebral palsy (CP) within an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.
METHODS: Ninety-five physiotherapists and occupational therapists working with children with CP in Australia completed a customized online survey. Survey questions related to: eligibility, initial assessment, intervention characteristics, and evaluation of effectiveness. Open-ended responses were analyzed using deductive content analysis. Close-ended questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The ICF was used as a framework for coding and reporting.
RESULTS: Body structure and function factors were most frequently considered in eligibility (56% of observations) and assessment (47%). Activity and participation-related factors were considered more in intervention (42%) and evaluation (75%). While functional training approaches were predominant, intervention characteristics varied markedly. Excepting goal-related tools, few measures were identified for assessment or evaluation of effectiveness. Environmental and personal factors were seldom considered across practice areas.
CONCLUSIONS: Current two-wheel bike skills training for children with CP in Australia appears highly variable. Development and testing of bike skills-specific outcome measures and interventions and guidance for therapists on consideration of environmental and personal factors are warranted.