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Adaptive Skiing for Individuals with Tetraplegia and Complex Neuromuscular Impairments

Award Number: R01HD123941
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/03/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2031

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Adaptive Skiing for Individuals with Tetraplegia and Complex Neuromuscular Impairments - PROJECT SUMMARY Approximately 18,000 individuals sustain spinal cord injury (SCI) annually in the U.S., with high-level injuries resulting in profound motor impairment and loss of independence. Current control strategies, such as sip-and- puff breath-based control, are unintuitive and not preferred by users. This project addresses a critical gap in adaptive control systems by leveraging residual electromyographic (EMG) signals to enable more natural and effective interaction with assistive devices. The proposed research has major implications for rehabilitation, mental health, and long-term physical engagement in individuals with SCI. The long-term goal of this project is to develop and validate EMG-based control systems enabling individuals with high-level SCI to regain agency and participate in dynamic, fast-paced activities. Initially, downhill skiing in the TetraSki, the world’s first ski for individuals with complex physical injuries, will serve as the initial implementation of the EMG control. The central hypothesis is that EMG control offers superior performance, intuitiveness, and user satisfaction compared to traditional sip-and-puff systems, demonstrated first in simulated and then in real-world environments. Initial studies will use controlled in-lab simulations to optimize EMG signal acquisition and control mapping. Comparative performance and usability studies will be conducted using standardized metrics (e.g., NASA Task Load Index Survey, Detection Response Task). Hardware and software refinement will follow iterative prototyping and field testing cycles, with engineering benchmarks guiding refinement. Real-world validation will occur during winter seasons, using adaptive ski equipment and standardized gate courses. User experience will be captured through surveys, interviews, and observational data. This project will improve health by leading the development and accelerating the application of biomedical technologies. It integrates engineering principles with clinical needs to enhance assistive mobility, promote rehabilitation, and improve quality of life for individuals with severe motor impairments.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $326,456 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF UTAH	201 PRESIDENTS CIR	SALT LAKE CITY	UT	84112	SALT LAKE	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	1	9/4/2026	NEW	$326,456
														Subtotal = $326,456

Grand Total All Awards = $326,456

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Adaptive Skiing for Individuals with Tetraplegia and Complex Neuromuscular Impairments

Award Number: R01HD123941

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/03/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2031

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