Research & Evidence

Therapeutic practice

We draw upon a range of evidence-based therapeutic practices in our Mountain Bike Therapy. The MIECAT form of inquiry underpins many of the processes. This is a multi-modal collaborative inquiry which is adapts a relational and experiential arts-based approach.

Our guiding framework draws upon Adventure Works Australia’s (AWA) Outdoor and Adventure Therapy Practice.

Both MIECAT and AWA utlise experiential learning as a way to support people to come to know themselves and the world.

“Characterised by the knowing that occurs through doing, being immersed in the present moment and multi-sensory experiencing in the here and now.

Prioritising lived and living subjective experiences as our primary sources for understanding ourselves and our relationships in and with the world.

The College of Creative & Experiential Therapies, PACFA

Mountain Biking as a form of therapy

“Mountain Bike Therapy” is part of the diverse range of Outdoor Adventure Therapy and Outdoor Health modalities. It utilises the inherent qualities of the mountain biking experience for therapeutic & wellbeing outcomes.

Research worldwide shows the evidence of the benefits of mountain biking as a form of therapy.

Mountain biking both attracts and benefits people, who would not otherwise participate in team sports or outdoor activities. It also offers an alternative therapeutic option for those who those who have been unable to engage with other processes.

Research conducted as part of a Mountain bike program with youth in Western Australia found that “non-traditional recreation activities resonate with individuals who are socially at-risk, and that participation in mountain biking and other outdoor recreation programs can facilitate the development of interpersonal and life skills, and improved risk assessment, problem solving and decision-making skills” (Wood et al, 2017).

Programs worldwide are using mountain biking, bike riding and maintenance as a form of therapy. There are programs focused specifically on mountain biking as the therapeutic modality and also those incorporating mountain biking as part of a broader adventure therapy suite. As the bicycle industry develops the diversity of riders is increasing (e.g. families and older adults) as well as there being more gender inclusion. Adaptive bicycles are providing opportunities for participants needing accessible equipment and trails to participate more. See below for more information on the benefits of mountain biking for therapy.

*Wood, N., Smith, J. W. N., & Wood, L. J. (2017, October). Breaking the cycle: Mountain biking as a way of engaging at-risk and disengaged youth. School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia.

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.34098.09922

Research

“Exploring connections to nature and sustainability through a process of experiential arts based inquiry.”

Erica Gurner, Natalya Garden-Thompson & Maureen Carey.

Eingana, v.36 n.1 p.18-21; April 2013, 36(1), 18–21.

“Life After Art School: An Inquiry into Fine & Visual Art Graduates’ Experiences of Creative Stuckness”

Natalya Garden-Thompson, The MIECAT Institute, Masters Dissertation, 2014