Sunday, June 22, 2008

Michigan researchers help kids with disabilities learn bike riding

Researchers from the Center for Motor Behavior & Pediatric Disabilities at the University of Michigan Kinesiology Department are working with the Lose the Training Wheels Program to help kids with autism or Down syndrome learn to ride a bike, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Only 10% of children with Down Syndrome can ride a bike, and kids on the autism spectrum sometimes share similar issues, the University of Michigan reports.

The 5-day camp in Michigan involves 80 children.

The goal, according to the researchers, is to get as many as 60% of the kids bike riding in five days, and then track them for the next year to see how their new skill affects their emotions and independence.