The psychosocial benefits of cycling for disabled people and adults/ older adults who have mobility challenges and/ or health conditions

This poster is based on 6 papers for a university module. I thought I would make it available due to the lack of evidence in relation to Disabled people cycling.

(You can download the poster here).

The findings suggest cycling has positive psychosocial impacts in relation to mental wellbeing, confidence building and social inclusion, all potential therapeutic goals for occupational therapists. But the evidence is weak for UK-based disabled people.

The conclusion is that more research is now needed to understand disabled and older people’s experiences of cycling, whether on the road or in traffic-free spaces, such as in inclusive cycling hubs.

References

Buettner, L. L., & Fitzsimmons, S. (2002). AD-venture program: Therapeutic biking for the treatment of depression in long-term care residents with dementia. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, 17(2), 121-127. doi:10.1177/153331750201700205.

Clayton, W., Parkin, J., & Billington, C. (2017). Cycling and disability: A call for further research. Journal for Transport and Health. doi://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2017.01.013.Department for Transport. Bikeability. Retrieved from https://bikeability.org.uk/.

Feighan, M., & Roberts, A. E. (2017). The value of cycling as a meaningful occupation. British Journal for Occupational Therapy. doi:10.1177/0308022616679416.

Kim, H., Kim, H., Park, M., & Kang, H. (2015). A comparative study on cycling in relation to the physical balance, muscle strength, self-esteem and depression of elderly women. Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 8, 169.

Lovretic, V., Benjak, T., & Vuletic, G. (2013). Subjective wellbeing of cyclists and physically inactive subjects.. Kinesiology, 45(1), 101-106.

NICE. (2008). Mental wellbeing in over 65s: Occupational therapy and physical activity interventions.England.

Public Health England. (2017). Everybody active, every day: Two years on.England.

Public Health England. (2014). Everybody active, every day: An evidence based approach to physical activity.

Zander, A., Passmore, E., Mason, C., Rissel, C., & Corporation, H. P. (2013). Joy, exercise, enjoyment, getting out: A qualitative study of older people’s experience of cycling in Sydney, Australia. Journal of Environmental and Public Health,  2013 doi:10.1155/2013/547453

Photo credit: Miles without Stiles @SDNPA