Author(s): CHOW, C., SUN, F.H., MOK, K.M., KONG, Y.H., SHEK, C.H.H., Institution: THE EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, Country: HONG KONG, Abstract-ID: 2011

INTRODUCTION:
Learning to cycle is a foundational motor skill, yet mastery is often delayed by inefficient learning methodologies. While balance bikes are increasingly promoted as superior to traditional training wheels, the relationship between equipment exposure, psychological readiness, and objective motor competence remains poorly defined. This study aimed to: (1) evaluate the population-level impact of early cycling aids on self-efficacy, and (2) compare objective motor proficiency and physical capacity between independent riders and non-riders, all of whom possessed prior balance bike experience.

METHODS:
A sequential two-phase design was employed. Phase 1 involved a cross-sectional survey of primary school students in Hong Kong (N = 1,134) to assess cycling history and self-efficacy. Phase 2 utilized a case-control exploratory assessment of a subset (n = 69; Age: 6.48 +/- 0.61 y). Participants were categorized into Independent Riders (n = 20) and Non-Riders (n = 49). Assessments included a modified 8-item gross motor battery (BOT-2), physical capacity tests (CMJ, handgrip), and balance bike sprinting tasks (10m linear and two-turn curved). Frequentist t-tests were supplemented by Bayesian Independent Samples Inference to quantify evidence for group parity (BF10).

RESULTS:
Phase 1 revealed that balance bike experience was a robust, universal correlate of cycling confidence across all 20 investigated metrics (p < .01). Hierarchical regression confirmed balance bike experience as a significantly stronger unique predictor of global confidence (beta = -0.19, p < .01) than training wheels (beta = 0.10, p < .001).
In Phase 2, despite all participants having balance bike experience, Bayesian analysis provided moderate evidence for the null hypothesis (BF10 range: 0.20–0.23) across height, weight, BMI, explosive power, and isometric strength. Crucially, no significant differences were found in the two-turn curved sprint (BF10 = 0.20) or foundational motor proficiency (BOT-2 average BF10 approximately 0.22), indicating statistical group parity regardless of riding status.

CONCLUSION:
Our findings demonstrate a significant Confidence-Proficiency Dissociation. While balance bikes effectively act as psychological primers that lower the barrier to entry, "random play" alone does not guarantee superior motor competence or technical mastery. The high prevalence of non-riders despite equipment experience suggests that early-childhood cycling aids should be integrated into structured pedagogical programs rather than left to unguided play to ensure psychological readiness translates into objective physical proficiency.

Authors
1*CHOW, C.C.G.; 1SUN, F.H; 2MOK, K.M.; 1KONG, Y.H.; 1SHEK, C.H.H.
1. Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
2. Wu Jieh Yee School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
*Corresponding Author: ccchow@eduhk.hk