Frame Running – trialling a sport for people with a disability

Via Have Wheelchair Will Travel:

Braeden has been working hard at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Gym for the last three years. I remember going into the first session thinking we had nothing to lose if he didn’t like it but it was a success. I really didn’t know if he’d stick with it, but I always think it’s worth giving things a shot. You never know if you don’t give it a go. Thanks to the great team at CPA, and the encouragement from his support workers, Braeden really looks forward to his gym session each week. Braeden’s walking, strength and control have all improved since he started. I’m always looking for ways for Braeden to use his newfound skills and take them to the next level in a meaningful way. Although it’s great he can walk for 15 minutes on a treadmill, I don’t think that fills Braeden’s cup with joy.  I’d been watching the growth of Frame Running (also known as Race Running) in Australia for a while and kept thinking we must give Braeden a go someday. Well, someday was a few weeks ago and so far it’s going really well. For those that haven’t heard of it, Frame Running is a sport designed for people with a physical disability who are not able to functionally run.

Braeden has only had two sessions on the Frame Runner so it’s early days but he’s looking good and it would certainly be a great outlet for Braeden’s desire to be on the move constantly.

The Frame Runner trike is a custom built three-wheeled frame where Braeden is fully supported by a saddle. He is still getting comfortable with leaning against the chest support but he can propel himself with his feet well. No doubt steering will take a while, like it did with his manual wheelchair, but I know he will get the hang of it in time.

Read More