Glide Bikes helps kids with special needs

May 14, 2012 - PRLog -- From The UK to Japan kids are benefiting from Glide Bikes balance bikes. Over the last several years school and learning institutions ranging from Easter Seals , Autism speaks, Occupational therapists, Public schools in the UK ,US ,Canada and Alaska have been having success. Due to the patented slow speed geometry kids of all abilities find it easy to learn balance. Educators from all over the world are discovering the learning bikes. Most admit they have not seen push bikes that fit kids older than 4 before and are surprised to see the full line of Gliders for all ages. The Mini Glider for ages 18 months to 5 years old the Go Glider from 5- 10 years old and the Super Glider from 10- to adult.  

David Murray Physical Therapist writes
"I am a school-based Physical Therapist. I currently practice in New Hanover County Schools in Wilmington, NC. I have worked as a Pediatric Physical Therapist for 12 years. I specialize in the assessment and treatment of neurologically-based disabilities between the ages of 5 and 22 years old. As a school-based Physical Therapist, I address functional gross motor and mobility deficits related to a student’s access to his/her educational environment.
"In my physical therapy practice, I have utilized the Glide Bikes products beginning in the fall of 2007. Both the Mini Glider and the Go Glider provide a unique balance activity for ambulatory children. The low seating position allows the student with a disability a lower center of gravity. A child with balance deficits can therefore learn to ride a bicycle in a safer, more successful manner."

Dolores Reese, PT Writes;
"We have had the opportunity to use the glider bikes at Easter Seals/UCP Preschool in Wilmington, NC over the spring and summer of 2010. Even though typically developing children enjoyed trying the glider bikes, children with special needs also enjoyed using them. As a physical therapist, I found the glider bike to be a very beneficial tool when working with young children. The glider bike was especially helpful for a young child with cerebral palsy. This four year old boy has a diagnosis of diplegia. He underwent surgery to release the spasticity in his lower extremities and over the past two years has undergone intense therapy for strengthening and trunk control to walk independently. The glider bike provided a means to not only strengthen his lower extremities by propelling the glider forward, but also worked on his balance and trunk control. This little boy enjoyed riding the glider bike with assistance, attempting to propel it independently. Although he was not able to propel the glider without assist, he benefitted greatly by giving him another means of strengthening/balance exercise that was fun! The glider bike also proved beneficial for children with a hemiparesis. Controlling the glider bike forced them to try to hold onto to the bike with the involved hand, and to balance and push the glider forward with both feet. This was easier than attempting to push the pedals on an adaptive tricycle since both feet were on the ground. (Guidance and assistance were needed from the therapist).

Go to http://www.balancebikes.com to learn more