Frame Running for Exercise and Participation for Children and Young People With Physical Disabilities

'FRAME-EX´ - FRAME Running for EXercise in Children and Young People With Disabilities - a Study Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Single-Arm Trial

The goal of this quasi-experimental single-arm trial is to evaluate whether a structured Frame Running training program can improve functional ability, participation, and quality of life in children and young people with physical disabilities. The study includes participants aged 8-18 years with cerebral palsy or other conditions causing physical disabilities.

The aim of the study is to investigate changes in the primary outcome measure; functional ability using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT), and a series of secondary outcome measures on mobility capacity, physical endurance, performance of everyday activities, and health-related quality of life in children and young people with physical disabilities.

Participants will complete a 24-week training program carried out in community athletics clubs:

12-week low-intensity control period with one supervised weekly Frame Running session focused on familiarization.

12-week moderate-to-high intensity intervention period with two weekly training sessions, including warm-up, technique training, endurance and speed intervals, and participation-focused activities.

Data collection comprises four standardized questionnaires, four physical performance tests conducted at multiple time points, an electronic training diary, and Rating of Perceived Exertion-Pediatric Scale (RPE-P) obtained before and after selected endurance tests.

The full protocol detailing all study procedures and methodology is available under Study Documents.

Inclusion Criteria

• Children and adolescents aged 8-18 years.
• Diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) or another condition resulting in a physical disability affecting mobility.
• Some prior Frame Running experience, such as informal use or occasional training, but must not have taken part in structured, organized, or performance-oriented Frame Running training within the past 12 weeks.
• Able to propel the Frame Running bike forward independently
• Able to understand and follow instructions related to Frame Running activities.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe visual and/or cognitive impairments that would compromise safe participation
• Known medical conditions that could limit or contraindicate involvement in the study (e.g., significant cardiovascular or pulmonary disease).