Effects of RaceRunning on cardiometabolic disease risk and mobility

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The effect of RaceRunning on cardiometabolic disease risk factors and functional mobility in young people with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy: a feasibility study.

• IRAS ID

  259279

• Contact name

  Marietta van der Linden

• Contact email

  mvanderlinden@qmu.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Queen Margaret University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Children with cerebral palsy develop stiff muscles, and bone and joint deformities which can make it hard for them to walk and engage in physical activities. Low levels of physical activity are associated with a higher risk of diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It is especially challenging for young people with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy to take part in exercise programmes.
  ‘RaceRunning’ (www.racerunning.org) uses a custom-built tricycle which has a breastplate for support and a saddle, but no pedals. This allows children who are unable to walk or propel a wheelchair, to move themselves safely using their legs and trunk. By using these running bikes, young people with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy can take part in aerobic activities with the potential to improve muscle function and mobility.
  In this project, the researchers will recruit 25 children and young people with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy who are new to RaceRunning. They will take part in one 60 minute RaceRunning session each week for 24 weeks. The aim of this initial study is to see if it would be feasible to carry out a larger study looking at the effects of RaceRunning on the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and mobility in these children. Before starting a large study, it is important to find out if participants enjoy RaceRunning and are therefore likely to complete the study. Cardiometabolic risk factors and mobility will be measured at 12 and 24 weeks and these initial results will help researchers to design a larger, more comprehensive study. If RaceRunning is able to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, this could have a major effect on the health of children with cerebral palsy throughout their lives. Improvements in mobility may also positively affect children’s quality of life and independence.

• REC name

  South East Scotland REC 01

• REC reference

  19/SS/0035

• Date of REC Opinion

  10 Jul 2019

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion