Examining the effects of Assisted Cycling Therapy on cognitive function in children with Down
syndrome: A feasibility study

Cognitive functioning is a hallmark deficit for people with Down syndrome (DS) affecting many aspects of daily living. Early intervention in children with DS is crucial to improve their quality of life as early as possible. The aim of this study is to determine if Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) has positive effects on cognitive functions in children with DS. Change in cognitive functioning is measured using tests for reaction time and problem solving over an eight week intervention. All eleven participants in the study were assigned to complete the ACT intervention, riding a stationary bicycle with mechanical motor assistance to maintain a cadence at least 35% greater than their voluntary cycling speed. The results of this study showed that information processing and problem solving improved following the eight week ACT intervention. The results of this study are discussed with respect to the upward regulation of neurotrophic factors involved in improved cognitive functioning within the prefrontal cortex following the ACT intervention.