Dr Sarah Reedman was recently interviewed for the Australian Physiotherapy Association monthly magazine inmotion for her efforts in helping to organise the new sport of RaceRunning in Queensland.
RaceRunning is a sport designed specifically for people who are not able to run due to severe motor and coordination disabilities. First invented in Denmark in 1991 to challenge the stereotypes of what people with cerebral palsy could or should do, the RaceRunning participants uses a custom-built three-wheeled trike – with a seat and chest pad for user’s upper body and weight support but no foot pedals – so the racerunner is able to propel forward using their feet and steering with hands and arms. RaceRunning is adaptive to many activities – sport, general fitness, play, family time – it is also highly beneficial to people with neurological disabilities and cerebral palsy in building muscle growth and bone density, leading to better posture, general strength endurance, and control of trunks and limbs.
Recognising the multiple benefits of RaceRunning, Dr Sarah Reedman (The University of Queensland) was determined to promote the sport in Australia and introducing it to the community. As part of the RaceRunning Australia working group, Sarah has been collaborating with like-minded researchers, allied health clinicians, and many potential athletes, to participate in come-and-try events across New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Victoria and the ACT. Teaming up with another researcher from UQ, Dr Emma Beckman (Exercise Physiologist), Sarah and Emma are establishing training facilities for athletes in conjunction with The University of Queensland Athletics Club, BLK Performance Centre and Disability Sports Australia. This initiative has already successfully received $36k seed funding from the Brisbane City Council to purchase five RaceRuning bikes that will enable people with mobility impairment to participate in RaceRunning. The initiative is seeking further sponsorship from sporting manufacturers, philanthropists and research grants with the goal to give as many people as possible access to equipment and the sport. The approach will also help them gather much needed research evidence to support funding applications to the NDIS to purchase a racerunner.
To find out more details about RaceRunning: https://australian.physio/inmotion/race-running-promote-good-health. Contact Dr Sarah Reedman to get involved in the initiative: s.reedman@uq.edu.au.
