Tetradapt FAQs

+ What does TRAILS stand for? . . .

TRAILS stands for: Technology Recreation Access Independence Lifestyle and Sports. Founded in 2001, TRAILS is the premier adaptive program of the University of Utah Health’s Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital. TRAILS focuses on the recreation, wellness and education needs of people with complex physical disabilities.

Visit the TRAILS website for more information.

+ What are the programs and activities? . . .

TRAILS programming includes: cross country skiing, alpine skiing, swimming, cycling (road and mountain), kayaking, sailing, wheelchair tennis, virtual spin classes, wellness programs and connecting through support groups. There is a competitive emphasis on cross country skiing, handcycling and wheelchair tennis.

Activities are free for participants with a complex physical disability and run five to six days a week in the Greater Salt Lake area.

Visit the TRAILS website for more information.

+ Where do TRAILS activities take place? . . .

TRAILS activities take place in most of Utah’s Wasatch Front ski resorts (Alta, Brighton, Powder Mountain, Sundance), cross country ski venues (Mountain Dell, Soldier Hollow, White Pine Touring), County and City public parks (Liberty Park, Sugarhouse Park), State Parks (East Canyon), Holladay Lions Recreation Center, Park City MARC, Ivory Ridge Tennis and Sports Mall.

Visit the TRAILS website for more information.

+ Do you have programs for veterans? . . .

The TRAILS program serves any and all injured veterans and injured service members, with a special focus on the unique needs of those with complex physical disabilities. TRAILS has been a partner of the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center since 2009 and collaborates with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. TRAILS also provides client clinics at the annual Hartford Ski Spectacular.

+ Can I participate if I don't live in Utah? . . .

You don’t have to be a Utah resident to participate in TRAILS. We run programs year-round, so if you are planning a trip to Utah and are interested in trying out a TRAILS program such as skiing, kayaking, sailing, cycling or marathon, we are happy to assist! Contact us for participation options.

+ How much does it cost to participate in TRAILS? . . .

TRAILS sports and recreation activities are free of charge for participants with complex physical disabilities. However, there may be some costs associated with family participation or transportation, for example.

+ How do I volunteer with TRAILS? . . .

We invite you to take part in the TRAILS program. We welcome family members, friends, students and those interested in taking part in maximizing human achievement and quality of life after disability. All volunteers start by filling out an online volunteer application through the University of Utah Health Volunteer Office. You may also contact us directly about volunteer options.

You may also contact TRAILS directly about volunteer options.

+ When will the Tetra Watercraft be ready for public use?. . .

We are launching a Tetra Watercraft pilot program the summer of 2021. The Tetra Watercraft will be distributed to several adaptive programs in the U.S. for training and testing. We expect the watercraft to be available for wider distribution the summer of 2022.

Contact us if you'd lke to learn more.

+ What types of watercraft may be used with the accessible floating platform? . . .

The powered, accessible floating platform lift seen on the What We Do page is designed primarily for hardshell kayaks and paddle boards, however the ramp on the back can expand access to a variety of different types of inflatable watercraft.

Wheelchair access and transfers are not permitted on the rear ramp without assistance from qualified instructors.

Contact us if you'd lke to learn more.

+ What is the difference between Paraplegia and Tetraplegia?. . .

Many find the distinction between quadriplegia, tetraplegia, and paraplegia to be confusing. So let’s take a minute to explain some of the differences in spinal cord injury or disease. Quadriplegia and tetraplegia actually refer to the same condition, though Tetraplegia is the more commonly used term by physicians and medical personnel. And, Tetraplegia is what we used to name this empowering initiative: Tetradapt.

UNDERSTANDING THE SPINE AND SPINAL CORD

The spine (vertebral column) extends from the base of the head down to the tailbone. The spinal cord extends down within the protective vertebral canal to the top of the pelvis. The vertebrae are named according to where they are located:

• 7 vertebrae in the neck, called the “cervical or C”
• 12 vertebrae through the ribcage region, called the ‘thoracic or T’
• 5 vertebrae below the ribs in the low back area, called ‘lumbar or L’
• 5 fused vertebrae in the pelvic area to the tailbone are the ‘sacral or S’

The vertebrae in those regions are numbered from top down. Spinal cord levels are named and numbered similarly, however the spinal cord is shorter than the spine therefore do not exit the vertebrae at the same named / numbered levels.

With spinal cord injury, the level of injury is related to how high the injury is located within the spinal cord and the degree or completeness of paralysis varies depending on the severity of injury to the spinal cord.

TETRAPLEGIA

Tetraplegia, sometimes called quadriplegia, refers to a spinal cord injury within the cervical segments of the spinal cord (C1-C8), which are above the first thoracic vertebrea (T1). The result is at least some degree of paralysis in all four limbs (affecting the arms, the trunk and the legs). With very high tetraplegia (C1-4), the ability to even breath independently can be severely compromised while with lower levels of tetraplegia one might have nearly full arm function, but demonstrate mild finger weakness.

PARAPLEGIA

Paraplegia refers to a spinal cord injury anywhere along the thoracic or lumbar segments of the spinal cord (T1-L5), which are below the first thoracic vertebrea (T1). The result is some degree of paralysis affecting the trunk and/or the legs. People with this injury are able to fully use their arms and hands, but the degree to which their trunk and legs are involved depends on the level and completeness of their injury. Some paraplegics are completely paralyzed from the chest down. Others may experience only minor weakness, decreased sensation in the lower body, and/or partial loss of bowel, bladder and sexual function.

+ How do people with a spinal cord injury get in and out of the equipment?. . .

One’s ability to move and transfer will determine if any or how much assistance will be required to get into and out of the equipment.

A team of assistants is available as needed and are prepared to assist fully if necessary. The TetraSki and TetraSail are unique and assistants are fully trained to negotiate the equipment to provide safe and consistent mobility assistance.

+ How is Tetradapt and the TetraSki funded? How do I support you? . . .

We are fortunate to currently have a supportive environment that is pro-innovation that affords our team the time and focus to design and build the technology. We have multiple partners and have received internal and external grants, including support in 2015 from the Craig T. Neilsen Foundation that facilitated the launch of the Tetradapt Initiative.

If you are interested in donating to the TetraSki program to help us make more skis available, please reach out and we can discuss options. Your support will make a difference! Contact Us