Mountain biking can have a positive effect on wellbeing by improving physical and mental health.
The Trail Therapy project is a mountain biking group that was developed by NHS Lanarkshire mental health nursing and occupational therapy (OT) staff.
The project is riding strong and has supported over 10 NHS Lanarkshire inpatient and community patients to take up mountain biking to improve their mental health, so much so, one patient is now fully trained as a leader within the programme.
An inspiring short video was developed in conjunction with Scottish Cycling and Trek Bikes. The video features NHS Lanarkshire OT assistant Amy Fletcher, patient turned leader, James and Paul McFarlane, trail therapy mountain bike leader sharing the amazing details of the project and benefits for all involved.
The Trail Therapy project is run in partnership with Scottish Cycling who have supported the group by funding input from Paul as a dedicated coach as well as four NHS Lanarkshire OTs and two members of nursing staff who have completed their Mountain Bike Leadership Training.
Participating patients take part in weekly mountain bike trails within Lanarkshire, and have built up their skills and confidence, the group have even grasped the opportunity to ride the dedicated mountain bike trails at a world class venue; Glentress in Peebles.
Alongside mountain biking, patients also have the opportunity to learn how to repair and maintain their bikes.
Susan Cairns, advanced practitioner occupational therapist, NHS Lanarkshire said: “I’m thrilled with how the Trail Therapy Project has developed and supported patients since it launched.
“The majority of patients have now purchased their own bikes and are cycling out with the group times, it has also given staff the skills to use cycling as a treatment activity for relevant patients.
“One of our patients was loaned a bike as part of his occupational therapy treatment which he used when experiencing increased symptoms of anxiety as a way of coping. He has reported a reduction in the use of his PRN medication since this was introduced, which is fantastic.
“We’re continually developing the programme to include bike maintenance classes, maintaining bikes for local schools and lending bikes to patients for one-to-one sessions.
“The big goal for this year is for the patients to ride the trails at Nevis Range mountain experience, the highest in the UK, which I’m sure they’ll triumph!”
James, the patient who is now a qualified mountain bike leader, said: “Before I joined the programme, I was an inpatient. I started to get involved in a few groups and then I was introduced to the Trail Therapy programme through the OTs, and I’ve never looked back!
“I started to enjoy my cycling more and more, from there Paul asked me if I’d like to become a mentor, and that’s where I am today. I feel brilliant being able to support others, participants know I was where they were and I think they look up to me in a way. Recovery to me is about progress rather than perfection.”
Marie McKeown, green health partnership manager, NHS Lanarkshire, added: “The project is a fantastic and innovative way to improve people’s physical and mental health. There are so many positive aspects including the social side which allow people to get out and enjoy cycling together, along with many green health benefits that come with being outdoors.”
