Characterizing Cycling Smoothness and Rhythm in Children With and Without Cerebral Palsy

Stationary cycling is a practical exercise modality in children with cerebral palsy (CP) that lack the strength for upright exercises. However, there is a lack of robust, sensitive metrics that can quantitatively assess the motor control during cycling. The purpose of this brief report was to characterize the differences in motor control of cycling in children with CP and with typical development by developing novel metrics to quantify cycling smoothness and rhythm. Thirty one children with spastic diplegic CP and 10 children with typical development cycled on a stationary cycle. Cycling smoothness was measured by cross-correlating the crank angle with an ideal cycling pattern generated from participant-specific cadence and cycling duration. Cycling rhythmicity was assessed by evaluating the revolution-to-revolution variability in the time required to complete a revolution. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test were found between the two groups for both the metrics. Additionally, decision tree analysis revealed thresholds of smoothness <0.01 and rhythm <0.089–0.115 s for discriminating a less smooth, irregular cycling pattern characteristic of CP from typical cycling. In summary, the objective measures developed in this study indicate significantly less smoothness and rhythm of cycling in children with CP compared to children with typical development, suggestive of altered coordination and poor motor control. Such quantitative assessments of cycling motion in children with CP provide insights into neuromotor deficits that prevent them from cycling at intensities required for aerobic benefits and for participating in cycling related physical activities with their peers.