Edinburgh Napier University

  Mountain biking (MTB) has been recognised as a multifaceted activity beneficial for physical fitness, promoting and managing mental health, and social wellbeing (Brown et al., 2022; Roberts et al., 2018). Together, with the combined benefits of exercising in a natural 'green' environment (Lahart et al., 2019), exposure to inherent challenges (Houge et al., 2021), and connectedness with others (Loureiro et al., 2021), MTB has the potential to form an ideal non-medical, group intervention for those suffering with poor mental health.
This study investigates the impact of an 8-week MTB 'trail therapy' programme designed to support individuals facing mental health challenges. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with program participants (n=3), a volunteer, an MTB ride leader, and a prescription coordinator.
Reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2021) emphasised the holistic impact of the programme on riders’ overall wellbeing and skill development, underpinned by three main interrelated characteristics; challenge (physical, psychosocial, and exposure to the natural environment), MTB experiences, and support. Riders reported improvements in overall wellbeing, skill development, self-regulation, self-esteem, and identity. Those involved also shared how they had developed skills they can now transfer into their everyday lives. These benefits as well as participants' increased engagement with cycling-related activities post-program underscores the lasting impact of the trail therapy approach. This research highlights the importance of integrating such activities into mental health support strategies, recognising the unique benefits of the interrelated challenges inherent within MTB.