Incomplete paraplegia and cycling, thanks to propulsion with arms and legs – the rehabilitation tricycle for adults
Incomplete paraplegia
If the spinal cord is only partially severed in a paraplegia, it is called incomplete paraplegia.
In the case of incomplete paraplegia, it may still be possible to use the legs to move around, although this is often supported by walking aids such as sticks or walkers.
Therapy after an incomplete transverse section
As a rule, attempts are made to treat incomplete paraplegia with a physiotherapy training program, often in a rehabilitation clinic and over several months.
Cycling again with the rehab tricycle for adults, despite incomplete paraplegia
The rehab tricycle is a trike and also has special driving characteristics and drive options. This is why the rehab tricycle is very attractive for adults with incomplete paraplegia. People with incomplete paraplegia particularly appreciate the arm drive, which also drives the legs. The legs can support the drive. Muscles are built up in the legs and movement patterns are relearned. This is important for healing in the case of incomplete paraplegia.
Thanks to the rehab tricycle, people with an incomplete spinal cord injury can ride a bike again. They can go on trips into nature or go on tours with other cyclists. The rehab tricycle is a joy for life and the joy of movement.
I also like the sporty design of the rehab tricycle. It looks cool, like a pure piece of sports equipment and not like a powered wheelchair.
How the rehab tricycle for adults works
The additional arm drive of the rehab tricycle compensates for the lack of strength in the legs when there is an incomplete cross-section. You can move quickly again and conquer inclines again.
The different arm drive styles offer variety. It's a lot of fun and the variety allows individual muscle groups to recover while you're riding. The muscles don't become acidic and so the biker with incomplete paraplegia has much more endurance with the rehab tricycle than with normal handbikes.
In addition, the different drive styles on the rehabilitation tricycle for adults promote whole-body coordination. They help to restore nerve connections in cases of incomplete paraplegia. It has been discovered that the reflexes in the legs are positively influenced by additional arm training.
Riding a tricycle for rehabilitation is exercise in nature and an excellent rehabilitation measure that also has a positive effect on the ability to use the legs again. The most successful and enjoyable rehabilitation measures are those that are fun.
Interview with Jürgen from Oberursel - Reha tricycle type Varibike Trike
Jürgen, you ride a rehab tricycle. How did that come about?
Since my bicycle accident in June 2019, I have been paraplegic at the lesion level TH10 with residual functionality in my legs. I was looking for a training / mobility device that could use both arm and leg strength
Why didn't you take a tricycle with an electric motor?
For me, the training effect is the most important thing, i.e. “the journey is the destination”. An electric motor would increase the range of action, but would also mean an increase in weight
Why choose a rehabilitation tricycle for adults when there are so many other sports you can do to keep fit? For example, you could also go to the gym.
According to market research, the range of bikes with hand and leg drive was very small
Since when have you been riding a rehab tricycle?
05/2020
FWhat do you use your rehab tricycle for?
Trips to therapy. Trips with the family
Does it also help you improve leg movement?
Due to my disability, my leg strength is severely limited. The rehab tricycle allows me to pedal easily, which helps improve my leg function.
Does it help your whole body coordination?
Overall, this enables Rehab tricycle Flexible choice of drive (arms only / legs only / combination of arms and legs). This enables a full-body workout, which also promotes coordination
And when it comes to inclines, can you get up there easily, even without an electric motor?
I have on my Rehab tricycle an Alfine 11-speed gearshift is installed. The gear range is sufficient for trips in the Taunus foothills. For longer climbs, an additional electric motor should be considered due to the weight of the recumbent bike
What do you find particularly fun about the rehab tricycle?
Overall, it allows me to have the feeling of “cycling” again despite my disability.
Do you use the rehab tricycle to get from A to B, or do you also have a training goal?
The Rehab tricycle is for me a training device that complements other therapy / training measures
With the rehab tricycle you can switch between different riding styles as you wish. Does that help?
The flexibility of driving styles is a fundamental strength of the Rehab tricycle ; especially in the case of a disability
Do you often switch between driving styles?
Normally I use the combination of arms and legs. When going downhill I pedal lightly with my legs
Have you become stronger muscularly by riding the rehab tricycle?
The – limited – remaining functionality in the legs was definitely improved. A substantial build-up of strength is not possible due to the disability
Was it difficult to learn to ride the rehab tricycle for adults?
At first I had some problems with the steering because my core strength is limited. I also converted to an ICE full carbon shell, which holds the body in place better.
Partial paraplegia riders have special requirements for a tricycle. You gave us some very helpful suggestions, some of which we have already implemented on the rehab tricycle. What equipment do you recommend for rehab tricycle riders with partial paraplegia?
Conversion to ICE carbon seat shell for better fixation
Conversion to hydraulic disc brake – 180mm
Deactivation of the back pedal function on the crank, as this restricted maneuverability too much
Ortlieb QL 3.1 holder on the seat for the use of Ortlieb bags.
Luggage carrier solution to enable the transport of a bulky therapy device (Ekso Skellett).
Do you feel safe when riding the rehab tricycle?
Yes
We've had a lot of snow and ice this year. Do you also drive in the winter?
Yes, I have fitted Schwalbe Marathon spike tires for winter use. The traction with the standard Schwalbe Big Apple is limited on "slippery" surfaces. However, the suspension comfort is worth mentioning (air pressure 2 bar)
Rehab tricycle riding is a new sport. How do people react when you meet them on the rehab tricycle?
You definitely stand out, as the rehab tricycle is not yet so common. Occasional inquiries
Finally, do you have any tips for rehab tricycle beginners?
Test the rehab tricycle thoroughly beforehand, especially if you have a disability. Make sure you can handle the steering and transfer to the rehab recumbent bike.
Erich from Kapfenberg / Austria - Reha tricycle type Varibike Trike
The Varibike rehab tricycle is unfortunately completely unknown not only in Germany but also in my home country (Styria, Austria). I was looking for a bike that would allow me to use my arms. As I suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury in an accident four years ago, the rehab tricycle is a great achievement for me personally. This great bike allows me to continue practicing my beloved sport again!
We adapt the rehab tricycle to your needs
The rehabilitation tricycle for adults is very suitable for people with incomplete paraplegia.
We adapt the rehab tricycle specifically to your application. We have the right accessories for the different degrees of paralysis, e.g. leg supports, shortened cranks, special pedals, special handles with loops, etc.
Just give us a call. We bFeel free to guess.
