Poppy has a rare neuromuscular condition which has caused damage to her spinal cord, leaving her with paralysis and weakness in her upper body and core. She has benefited, both physically and mentally, from taking part in Frame Running, a sport for young people with limited mobility that has been supported by Action funding.
Poppy has a condition called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), which she developed suddenly following a virus when she was six years old. This caused inflammation and damage to the grey matter of the spinal cord, meaning the nerves taking messages to and from the brain no longer work as they used to.
Poppy spent nine months in hospital and then faced a lengthy rehabilitation process, learning to sit, stand and walk again. She has been left with paralysis and weakness in her upper body and core, and uses a wheelchair. She also has a gastrostomy (feeding tube) to help her get the nutrition she needs, and uses a ventilator at night to help her breathe.
Before her illness, Poppy was a very sporty child and loved running, says her mum, Laura. But afterwards, she could no longer take part in any sport safely – until she discovered Frame Running, an innovative sport for people with moderate-to-severe walking impairments.
Frame Running (formerly known as RaceRunning) involves propelling a three-wheeled running frame, with a saddle and body support. Poppy initially enjoyed regular coaching sessions in the sport as part of a pilot study led by researchers funded by Action Medical Research and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust.
This opportunity to try Frame Running proved to be a positive turning point, says Laura.
She left one of her early sessions with a massive smile on her face, saying Mummy, I'm so happy there is a sport that I can do”
At this time, Poppy had been having intensive occupational therapy and physio for around four years, as she fought to adapt to the challenges of such sudden and serious disability. Then aged nine, Poppy had become quite disheartened and fed-up with 'therapy', says her mum.
“Frame Running has been an amazing opportunity for her to work on her fitness and strength, whilst also having fun and feeling accomplished,” says Laura.
Poppy now trains twice a week and takes part in races and competitions. She has also been invited to join the Scottish Development Squad for Frame Running.
"Frame Running helps with her stamina, core strength and improving her fitness; but it also has helped her confidence, self-esteem and building friendships with other young people with disabilities,” says Laura.
Being a Frame Running athlete does a huge amount for her mental and physical health”
The pilot study found that children taking part in Frame Running saw improvements in their resting heart rate, muscle strength and performance of activities such as being able to walk for longer and walking uphill. Children also said they enjoyed the sense of freedom and speed that the sport gave them, and the chance to be active and competitive.
Find out more about the Action co-funded Frame Running pilot study here.