Demonstrating Increased Functional Skills After a 6-Week Program Using the MyWay Pedal

Eli is a happy 7-year-old boy who has cerebral palsy (GMFCS level III). He uses a standing frame and rollator at school and an assisted trike at home. When Eli first trialed the MyWay Pedal, he needed help to move the pedals and could not propel more than 2-3 revolutions.

He trialed the MyWay Pedal for three sessions per week for 30 minutes over six weeks. Weekly diaries charted his progress and outcome measures were recorded before and after the trial.

How has the MyWay Pedal worked for Eli?

• The elliptical pedaling action gave Eli a sensori-motor experience similar to gait.
• The height adjustment ensured Eli could be positioned for the optimum range of knee and hip movement to target strengthening of end-of-range quadriceps.
• The unidirectional and anti-reverse locks initially assisted with forward momentum when strength was developing. Eli no longer requires these functions and he can steer to negotiate corridors and doorways independently.

Improvements out of the MyWay Pedal

• Eli's physiotherapist times how long he could stand with hands held. This improved from 20 seconds to 48 seconds after six weeks using the MyWay Pedal.
• Class staff have reported that "Eli is now able to stand up much straighter and needs less help in and out of his wheelchair than before."
• For the first time, Eli has also managed to descend stairs by stepping instead of transferring on his bottom.

Eli continues to enjoy his MyWay Pedal and is now a proficient and skillful user.