OT: Stationery Trainers

[dekindy]

Any advice on a quality stationery cycling trainer? The main criteria would be for my autistic son with very flat feet that needs low impact exercise for health and fitness. He got sick last year and lost a lot of weight but getting better and entering puberty has stimulated his appetite to the point that he is getting slightly overweight. It might also help him sleep better. I would also like to use it so it would need to be highly adjustable.

Also, if you have any suggestions for a different type of machine that might be more appropriate for him that would be appreciated. I am wondering if we should get something that will also work his arms.

We plan to go tomorrow and get him on some machines and try and determine if he will even use them.

[thegunner]

perhaps the guided ellipticals should be considered? they're primarily leg based cardio machines, but there are workouts that have you standing on the side platforms, propelling the machine simply with your arms.

concept2 ergs would sufficiently work out an entire body, but without proper form can injure a back quicker than anything i can think of. just 2 suggestions to add to the list.

[rugbysecondrow]

it is hard to say, but maybe a recumbant stationary bike? I think your plan to try out different models and types is good.

[allegretto]

concept II rower is a wonderful workout. also a good alternative for biking days when you're not up to braving the elements. so you may use it as well as him which would be good for both of you

[dekindy]

We went to a couple of stores today. Our son still struggles with pedaling despite physical therapy over the years. He just will not pedal and when he does his heels hit the crankarms. He has difficulty balancing on the elliptical trainers and the only sit down elliptical that we saw was very expensive.

Autism has strange symptoms. He will not pedal a single bike. However when he sat on the front of a special tandem with an adult sitting on the back and steering (special tandem with stoker handlebar linked to the front handlebars so the adult can steer) he would pedal the tandem with enough force to start them off without the adult pedaling, just balancing.

We have an elliptical in our basement so we are going to try getting him to use that. I thought that a bike would be better for his flat feet. However it appears that a professional fitting will be needed to get him in the proper pedaling position and to avoid injury.

What would be the best type of clipless pedal for keeping his legs and feet in alignment and also preventing injury. His feet are at such a severe angle that I think fixed cleats are necessary but that may also cause injury. At this point we have many more questions than answers.

I am wondering if we should just get him walking a lot and see how his feet hold up. The doctor does not recommend surgery unless he starts having pain because corrective surgery many times leads to more problems than it solves.

[AngryScientist]

i'm certainly not an expert to any measure, but, since you have mentioned flat feet, and foot angles a number of times, i would recommend going to a good sports foot doctor and have him fitted with custom orthodics. they could be pricey, but insurance usually covers it.

i am not familiar with your sons specific needs, but custom orthodics fitted by a competent foot doctor can only help with any exercise he would like to try, starting with walking, up to whatever level he can get to.

i second your idea of trying out the various pieces of equipment before committing to anything. maybe you could get a 2-week membership to a gym or the local Y and go with him to try out the tons of available equipment they have to see what seems to strike a chord with him.

i do think the custom shoe inserts are a great first step no matter which direction you go.

good luck to you both!

[Dekonick]

concept II rower is a wonderful workout. also a good alternative for biking days when you're not up to braving the elements. so you may use it as well as him which would be good for both of you

I use this at the gym when I do shoulder/back workout days... it is an awesome workout!

Mind you , I can only tolerate 30 minutes of the concept 2... I dont know why, but 30 min is my max... and that is after at least an hour of weights. Childwatch for me is only 90 minutes, and this completes a typical back workout.

Curls, lat puldown, rows, concept 2 rower....

My (at least for next next 2-3 months) workout... change it up every few months...

Haven't been on the bike as much as I wish lately, but that is a fact of having young kids... In 2 years my bike time will increase.... at least I hope!


Love my kids and would never trade time... but somehow the government has decided that kindergarten kids need to go to school full day... when can they be kids???

Mine are age 5 and 3... 2 more years until long hours are reality again. No worries, I can wait and hopefullly they drip my ass one day soon!

[11.4]

You asked about stationary cycling trainers so I'll restrict my response to that item. I've worked with a number of former cyclist who were stroke victims who aren't necessarily dealing with the same issues your son is, but might be helpful.

First, for stability, I'd look at an old used Monark ergometer. Easily adjustable. Doesn't have to be a current model or anything like that. You can usually spot one on Craigslist or eBay for $250-350. They weigh a ton -- $150 lbs or more -- so they're very stable since I assume from your comments he isn't necessarily stable on the bike (or you'd at least worry about it). And they have a structure similar to a mixte frame so when mounting, he can bring one leg in front of the saddle and not have to throw it over behind.

Second, I'm guessing the ankle alignment problem isn't a structural problem but perhaps more of a lack of control over position. You haven't actually said he had a physical deformity. If so, I'd suggest you find a Speedplay shop that can work with a complete fit kit. No need to have him fitted, but simply order the Speedplay Zeros with the longer spindle. You can get about a centimeter longer than standard, which along with the clipless pedal system itself will keep his ankles clear of the crankarms. And for stroke victims, Speedplays are much easier to get their foot into, and your son may have some of the same problem.

On the front versus stoker differentiation, I've found with stroke victims that many can't ride when just facing a wall. A flat screen with a bike racing video can help a lot, and exercise videos like the Carmichael DVDs that give you the sensation of being in a race or on a climb can really help. It's a matter of finding the correct visualization so the pedaling connects with the mind. In working with some autistic kids in other things, sometimes this visualization is important to them and your son's tandem response may suggest the same. Similarly, avoid other distraction in the room -- remember that an autistic person isn't really separated from their reality but can find extreme distraction in the tiniest of things. So a simple hallway, or a place where he sees a TV screen but otherwise faces into a corner, or a darkened room with the TV screen, can all possibly help.

Hope these simple ideas help. I do appreciate the immensity of the challenge that both you and your son face.

[dekindy]

Thanks for all the replies.

I forgot to specify that my son already has a foot doctor and wears special braces. He had surgery to lengthen his heel chords that were too tight due to walking on his toes and does stretching to keep them from becoming tight again.

I will try our elliptical soon and give a further report of our progress.

[rugbysecondrow]

I liked what you said about going for a walk. Walking is great exercise plus it can be a great bonding experience. If he can comfortably do that, it is an easy way to get started. Also, if you have a dog, teaching kids to walk a dog and all of the training/authority that comes with it can help with self-confidence and bonding. Anyway, it sounds like you are a great father Dwight and I am sure whatever you decide will be the right decision.

Cheers

[AngryScientist]

I liked what you said about going for a walk. Walking is great exercise plus it can be a great bonding experience. If he can comfortably do that, it is an easy way to get started. Also, if you have a dog, teaching kids to walk a dog and all of the training/authority that comes with it can help with self-confidence and bonding. Anyway, it sounds like you are a great father Dwight and I am sure whatever you decide will be the right decision.

Cheers

+1 on the dog. family friends have a "service dog", and i have heard numerous stories of dogs rehabilitating people which medicine could not.

[Dekonick]

Thanks for all the replies.

I forgot to specify that my son already has a foot doctor and wears special braces. He had surgery to lengthen his heel chords that were too tight due to walking on his toes and does stretching to keep them from becoming tight again.

I will try our elliptical soon and give a further report of our progress.

FWIW - Baltimore has the Rubin Institute at Sinai Hospital. Specialists for Limb/foot issues. People come from all over the world to be seen here.

My son also had 'heel chords' that were too tight from toe walking and bouncing all day. He didn't require surgery, but did need braces and PT.

As far as what machine to use I have no idea... but I do like the concept 2 rower as I mentioned before... but it does require attention to form. We have a precor elliptical that is also nice, but I would rather ride in the rain, run, or do just about anything else than work out on a machine. Even a spin bike is torture after an hour.

:)

[thegunner]

FWIW - Baltimore has the Rubin Institute at Sinai Hospital. Specialists for Limb/foot issues. People come from all over the world to be seen here.

My son also had 'heel chords' that were too tight from toe walking and bouncing all day. He didn't require surgery, but did need braces and PT.

As far as what machine to use I have no idea... but I do like the concept 2 rower as I mentioned before... but it does require attention to form. We have a precor elliptical that is also nice, but I would rather ride in the rain, run, or do just about anything else than work out on a machine. Even a spin bike is torture after an hour.

:)

the erg is a wonderful piece of equipment, and it can be programed with games (which might help hold his attention). if you're serious about going this route, once you get the form down, it's kind of hard to forget. i know i gave a negative example of personal injury, but you have to understand, that if you're not asking someone to crank out 250-300 watts using their legs/back, there's also much less likely a chance to get injured. ;) just adding more positive reasons for the concept2!

...although the dog suggestion is an interesting one too, it'd serve dual purpose, companionship and sufficient exercise (possibly responsibility too :D)