The impact of neurological conditions.
Nearly 1 in 6 of the world’s population suffer from a neurological condition (World Health Organisation, 2006), with every person being impacted differently. The same condition can even effect people in different ways.
In our role, we see first-hand how neurological conditions impact people’s lives. Many people we see find it difficult to access the community. Some need the help of another person and rely on a walking aid such as a stick or walker. Many places are difficult for people with a disability to access. For example, some places are only accessible by stairs or have surfaces such as grass or uneven footpaths. Our aim as physiotherapists is to increase our client’s independence and the ability to access the community. Assistance technology, such as an E-trike, can help some people to achieve this.
What is an E-trike?
An e-trike, or electric trike, runs on electric power and is designed to serve riders of all ages and abilities. E-trikes offer pollution-free transportation and are much easier to operate compared to a manual bike/tricycle. Although you need to actively pedal when riding the trike, the additional power can;
- Help you start pedalling.
- Make it easier for you to continue pedalling.
- Provide additional power going up hills.
- Allow you to have short rests while you ride.
- Help your pedalling be more effective.
- There are several types of E-Trikes, each with different features. Some E-Trikes are upright, some are semi-recumbent (like in the picture) and others are easily foldable. Their tough enough to handle most terrains as well as being multi-purpose, so they may be used for leisure, exercise or helping carry your groceries.
Types of E-trikes
There are several types of E-Trikes, each with different features. Different types or features include;
- Upright E-trikes.
- Recumbent E-trikes.
- Varying seat widths.
- Arm supports.
- Additional lateral or side support.
- Low step-through trikes.
- Varying ability of terrains.
There are also ways to customise e-Trikes to suit an individuals need. These include;
- Baskets.
- A bike trailer.
- A walking stick holder.
- Bottle holders.
- Blinkers.
- Flags.
- Larger bells.
- Rear-view mirror.
- Fand others are easily foldable. Their tough enough to handle most terrains as well as being multi-purpose, so they may be used for leisure, exercise or helping carry your groceries.
What could I use an e-Trike for?
Different people use e-Trikes for different purposes;
- Exercising on your own.
- Assist you to carry your grocery shopping.
- Leisure.
- Independent access to the community.
- Exercising with friends. Some people can’t keep up with friends and family when they walk, an e-Trike is a way to help overcome this.
Benefits of an E-trike with a neurological condition:
An e-Trike can help people fulfil their daily chores, increase feelings of independence, increase productivity as well as provide exercise and therapy which has been shown to improve mobility, and increase health-related quality of life factors.
I would like an e-Trike.
At Sunshine Coast Neuro Rehab, our Physiotherapists understand you and your condition. We support people with neurological conditions to achieve more function, greater independence and quality of life. If you are interested in finding out if an e-Trike might be suitable for you, you can make a booking by calling (07) 5448 1155 or email admin@scnr.com.au.
Kira Odling
Physiotherapist, APAM
Evidence:
World Health Organization. (2006). Neurological Disorders. Public Health Challenged. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/mental_health/neurology/neurological_disorders_report_web.pdf