Study highlights benefits of frame running for children with limited mobility

Information taken from Chartered Society of Physiotherapists June 2024

A study has found that frame running has the potential to positively affect health and wellbeing of young people with limited mobility. 

Researchers observed a trend towards improved muscle strength after 12 weeks of frame running training and many participants noticed  an improvement in their performance of activities including being able to walk for longer and walking uphill.

Frame running (formerly known as race running) is an adapted sport for children, young people and adults who cannot run and who rely on aids for mobility and balance.  A frame runner is a three wheeled frame where the individual is supported by a saddle and body plate. 

The athlete propels against the frame using their feet, and steers using handlebars like those on a bike.

Action Medical Research and the CSP Charitable Trust jointly funded the study by Marietta van de Linden.

CSP chief executive John Cowman, said: ‘It is so brilliant to see the results for this study which clearly show that frame running has a very positive impact on the health and wellbeing of young people with limited mobility.

Hopefully, this research will pave the way for it to become more widely available for children, young people and adults who rely on aids such as this to take part in sports and to be able to enjoy all that it has to offer.

The results of the study are significant as people with cerebral palsy and conditions such as AFM  may be at increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes due to reduced mobility.  Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulties walking and can find it challenging to take part in physical activities. This can lead to a lack of exercise that often starts early on in childhood and persists throughout their lives. 

Poppy's story

Frame Running

Poppy has a rare neuromuscular condition which has caused damage to her spinal cord, leaving her with paralysis and weakness in her upper body and core. She has benefited, both physically and mentally, from taking part in Frame Running, a sport for young people with limited mobility that has been supported by Action funding.

Poppy has a condition called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), which she developed suddenly following a virus when she was six years old. This caused inflammation and damage to the grey matter of the spinal cord, meaning the nerves taking messages to and from the brain no longer work as they used to.

Poppy spent nine months in hospital and then faced a lengthy rehabilitation process, learning to sit, stand and walk again. She has been left with paralysis and weakness in her upper body and core, and uses a wheelchair. She also has a gastrostomy (feeding tube) to help her get the nutrition she needs, and uses a ventilator at night to help her breathe.

Before her illness, Poppy was a very sporty child and loved running, says her mum, Laura. But afterwards, she could no longer take part in any sport safely – until she discovered Frame Running, an innovative sport for people with moderate-to-severe walking impairments.

Frame Running (formerly known as RaceRunning) involves propelling a three-wheeled running frame, with a saddle and body support. Poppy initially enjoyed regular coaching sessions in the sport as part of a pilot study led by researchers funded by Action Medical Research and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust.

This opportunity to try Frame Running proved to be a positive turning point, says Laura.

At this time, Poppy had been having intensive occupational therapy and physio for around four years, as she fought to adapt to the challenges of such sudden and serious disability. Then aged nine, Poppy had become quite disheartened and fed-up with 'therapy', says her mum.

“Frame Running has been an amazing opportunity for her to work on her fitness and strength, whilst also having fun and feeling accomplished,” says Laura.

Poppy now trains twice a week and takes part in races and competitions. She has also been invited to join the Scottish Development Squad for Frame Running.

"Frame Running helps with her stamina, core strength and improving her fitness; but it also has helped her confidence, self-esteem and building friendships with other young people with disabilities,” says Laura.

The pilot study found that children taking part in Frame Running saw improvements in their resting heart rate, muscle strength and performance of activities such as being able to walk for longer and walking uphill. Children also said they enjoyed the sense of freedom and speed that the sport gave them, and the chance to be active and competitive.

For more information on the product ranges visit our websites www.lightweightmobilityandseating.co.uk www.framerunneruk.co.uk 

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