The Rig Rider is an accessibility frame that enables individuals with cerebral palsy to skateboard regardless of their muscle strength and mobility levels. It addresses the environmental and societal barriers to participation faced by people with cerebral palsy. It recognises their varying physical needs by offering modular attachments that provide tailored support. Within the skatepark environment, its inviting design strikes a perfect balance between novelty and approachability.
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability seen in children, affecting one in every 500 births in Australia.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a term that describes a group of neurological disorders where an individual has difficulty controlling their muscles (RCH, 2018). As a result they experience different levels of muscle weakness, muscle tightness, spasticity, balance and coordination which limit their functional capacity to engage in physical activities. CP is complex and the mobility difficulties experienced will present differently for every person.
The Opportunity
Adaptive skateboarding for people with CP has not been widely established. Existing skateboarding products do not accommodate for the varying mobility levels of people with CP, thus limiting their participation in the sport. Participation in recreational activities is critical for development as it improves motor skills and psychosocial wellbeing, leading to an increased quality of life. Furthermore, engagement in skateboarding has shown to improve self-conception, confidence and inner strength that’s impactful to other aspects of life
Although people with CP are physically limited by their condition to use a skateboard independently, the biggest barriers to participation are environmental and societal, with a lack of available adaptive equipment to support their needs.
The Project
This project explores and understands the values, needs and barriers of young people with CP aged 5-25 years who desire to skateboard. It also involves input from their family and the professionals who work with them to gain a holistic understanding of the situation. This project takes a scientific-led approach which valued input from a pediatric rehabilitation physician and a family with an adolescent with CP who has goals to skateboard.
As CP is experienced differently by every person, the design will focus on the needs of an adolescent with dyskinetic cerebral palsy affecting all four limbs (quadriplegia), classified as GMFCS level 4, as highlighted to the right. However, it will also be adaptable to changes in the CP presentation.
secondary research
product benchmarking Key Finding
Existing adaptive skateboards for people with mobility disabilities were explored and measured to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for innovation.
No commercially available adaptive skateboarding product exists.
primary research
triangulation approach
To gather primary research, a triangulation method was applied by conducting interviews, observations and surveys. This process acquired the perspectives from stakeholders who are involved in supporting an individual skateboard. The findings from the research formed the needs for the users and design implications for the design solution.
observations
The observations were key to understanding the needs and experiences of the stakeholders. It was discovered that there are two key primary stakeholders involved in skateboarding for a person with CP:
1. Individual with CP – using the device to skateboard
2. Caregiver of individual with CP – supporting the transportation, set up, use and pack up of the device
Observing the usage of two different custom frames in an at home and skatepark environment also revealed how the experience of each stakeholder could be improved.
INTERVIEWS
The interviews provided insight from the individual with CP, parent, health professionals and skate coaches as they all are involved with the journey of helping the individual with CP skateboard but with unique goals and perspectives.
Discussions highlighted the benefits of a skateboarding device for people with cerebral palsy. Key benefits include:
– Having fun and being social
– A fun way to practice rehabilitation exercises like weight-bearing, resulting in physical health benefits such as strength, endurance, cardiovascular health, stretching muscles and bone growth
– Positive changes in the individual’s confidence, self of self and emotional well being.
During the interviews and observations, the essential needs, desires and considerations for each stakeholder was discussed, resulting in the development of a framework.
Framework for Designing Sport Equipment for People with CP
The approach to take when designing sport equipment for people with CP is dependent on the intent of the product and user group it is being designed for. Although each product will be used by a person with CP, it could be designed for personal use at home by a family, as an assistive device for rehabilitation support and/or to be shared amongst a community. Each of these situations involve different stakeholders, contexts and environments with different needs. These principles and factors to consider outlined in the framework are based on research and discussions.
There’s an opportunity to help people who have difficulty with balance, mobility and standing, engage in an activity that requires balance, mobility and standing.
Design implications
The research findings revealed the direction for the project: designing a commercially available adaptable skateboard for people with cerebral palsy and their families. The design implications for the innovation are as follows:
1. Accounts for varying mobility presentations
CP presentations change day to day, hour to hour. They must have access to comfortable and adequate physical support.
2. Lightweight and transportable
Storage and space efficiency.
Fits into a family vehicle.
3. Maintains low costs
Accessible for families who may face financial constraints.
Low production run.
Inclusivity.
4. Easy to set up + pack up
Ease of use.
Efficient.
Reduces painpoints.
5. Comfortable for both users
Focus on skateboarding.
Usability.
6. Aesthetically pleasing
Evokes a sense of connection.
Reduces stigma and encourages social acceptance.
The solution: rig rider
A Rig Rider makes adaptive skateboarding accessible for people with CP and their families. Regardless of the level of muscle control experienced, people with CP can confidently stand on a skateboard with a comfortable level of support provided by the adaptive frame and the caregiver driving the device.
It balances the needs of two users, a person with cerebral palsy and a caregiver, creating a shared journey towards achieving skateboarding dreams.
Storyboard
Features
support For any level
Harness
– Easy to slip on while the individual with CP is sitting in the wheelchair
– When transferred to the Rig Rider, simply clip in with carabiners
– Adjust the tightness level of support on the harness ropes
– Allows for more movement
Saddle
– Simple to transfer onto
– Support hips
Torso Support
– Helps hold body upright
– Simple strap around torso
efficient + secure attachment methods
Express Personal Style
Rig Riders are available in a range of colours. This encourages people with CP to express their individuality and builds their emotional connection with the product. A Rig Rider is a part of the skateboarding experience, thus looks the part.
Transportable
The Rig Rider folds flat to fit into a wheelchair accessible disability vehicle. This offers the convenience of transporting the device to a skateboarding session and reduces the stress on parents and guardians. It folds with two pull spring mechanisms that lock into positions
Efficient Set up
Ergonomic both ways
The Rig Rider has an adjustable handle so that no matter the height of the person pushing the device, they can maintain a strong and comfortable grip. The Rig Rider is also height adjustable to support the growth of the individual with CP. As the user grows, the caregiver adjusts the handles to accommodate.
Handles for comfort
The caregiver pushing has a separate handle to the individual with CP so that they have the comfort to steer in the position they choose. This is ergonomic for both users whilst creating a uniting experience. The handles are made from 3D printed TPU, attached over the Aluminum extrusions with screws.
Light-weight
With its main components made from aluminum profiles and 3D printed plastic (onyx or TPU), the Rig Rider is light-weight yet strong.
The value in being light-weight is that the caregiver requires less force to push the device. Thus, resulting in a longer skateboarding session.
Compatible With All Skateboards
The nylon and elastic connection ropes securely connects the skateboard to the Rig Rider. The elastic has enough tension to stretch over the skateboard trucks. The nylon ensures the connection is sturdy.
A trusted connection
3D printed onyx clamps with foam pads on the inside ensure the skateboard links stay in position.
Materials and Manufacturing
Extruded Aluminum
Selection reasoning:
– Production run is projected to be 100 units
– Needs to be cost effective as families with disabilities have a lot of expenses
– Lightweight
– Looks visually strong – reassuring to the user
3D printed TPU
Selection reasoning:
– Comfortable for handles
– Shock absorbent
– 3D printing is efficient for small production runs
3D printed Onyx
Onyx is a composite based material of Nylon with Carbon Fibres
what value does a rig rider provide for a person with cerebral palsy?
Physical Health Benefits
During use the individual with cerebral palsy is standing, leaning and looking around at their surroundings. They are on two feet rather than in a seated position in their wheelchair. This benefits their muscle growth, bone growth, strength, stamina, cardiovascular system, vestibular input and coordination.
Mental Health Benefits
Skateboarding requires perseverance, tenacity and bravery. With time, engagement in skateboarding can improve ones sense of self, confidence and inner strength. This builds resilience, and contributes to a greater mental health.
Social Development
Skateboarding often occurs in community settings where friendly people support each other on their journey. This fosters a sense of belonging and is an opportunity to meet new people and develop social skills.
Fun
Skateboarding offers people a sense of freedom as they glide and maneuver in a liberating manner. This is thrilling and brings a sense of excitement. Mixed with the community setting, the Rig Rider facilitates an activity that promotes being present and enjoying the moment.
Quality of Life
These various aspects clearly demonstrate that skateboarding is a holistic activity that offers people with cerebral palsy benefits across all areas of life.
The future with rig riders
With families having access to purchase Rig Riders easily and cost effectively, the future provides individuals with cerebral palsy more opportunities to participate in skateboarding and recreational activities. Skateparks welcome the new device and the skating community becomes even bigger and more inclusive.
Name
Research Report: A Push Towards Adaptive Skateboarding for People with Cerebral Palsy
Lisa is an enthusiastic industrial designer driven to invent products that positively impact people and the world. Motivated by the transformative power of design, Lisa aspires to enhance lives by using user-centered design principles, interpersonal skills and exploring new opportunities.
