Can We Teach Youth with ASD to Ride a Two Wheel Bicycle?

Background: Research consistently indicates that youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) display major constraints in acquiring an adequate repertoire of functional physical activities they can use with their family, siblings, and peers. Most of this research literature indicates that quality of life, health, and social interactions are negatively impacted as a result of deficits in their physical activity. There has been an increase in the number of studies designed to describe physical activity patterns in a variety of children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities but very few interventions have been tested to improve the amount of time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity levels in youth with ASD.  In 2005/ 2006, we conducted a randomized trial involving youth with Down syndrome (DS) where the experimental group received individualized bicycle training using the training protocol established by Lose the Training Wheels and the control group received the same training one year later. Our criterion for success in riding a two wheel bicycle in this initial study was that the rider had to demonstrate the ability to ride their bicycle more than 30 feet without support. Results from this randomized study indicated that 62% of children with DS aged 8-15 years succeeded in mastering the criterion following 5 days of training, 75 minutes per day. 

Objectives: The purpose of this 2008 study was to successfully teach youth with ASD how to ride a two wheel bicycle. 

Methods:   This study was an extension of the 2005-2006 study.  Success criterion was increased to more than 100 feet of continuous riding without support. We recruited higher-functioning youth with ASD in the age range of 9-18 years.  The following exclusion criteria were pre-established:  medical conditions that precluded moderate to vigorous physical activity (seizure disorders or heart conditions), obesity, and major behavior problems in new situations. Individualized training was implemented 75 minutes each day for 5 consecutive days. 

Results: The following results were observed: 31 youth with ASD participated in the study. The average age of the riders with ASD was 11.9 years old (SD= 2.4).  Successful riding was achieved by 71% of the sample. Of those who achieved the ability to ride, 86.4% could use their hand brake to stop and 90.9% could self start their bicycle. Recommendations for future research and practice will be discussed along with strategies to increase continued riding. 

Conclusions: Learning to ride a two wheel bicycle independently is an achievable life time activity for youth with ASD. This activity should increase social interaction opportunities and participation in community activities, all of which have been reported as critical needs for this population. Future research is needed to document longitudinal outcomes through randomized clinical trials.