The TheraTrike™ Therapeutic Tricycle was conceptualized by a physiatrist at Primary Children's Medical Center and developed at the University of Utah to utilize the hip extensor muscles (the buttock muscles used in walking) to strengthen and develop gait in children with cerebral palsy and similar disorders. Formal testing and evaluation concluded that use of the tricycle enhanced gait and improved self-esteem. Children enjoy the freedom and ability to participate in everyday neighborhood activities, while parents enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the tricycle for their children.
TheraTrike™ Tricycles are uniquely different than other cycles on the market today because of the simple back-and-forth walking motion used to pedal the tricycle. This patented device eliminates the circular pedaling motion (which can be very difficult for children with disabilities) and replaces it with a much easier and more natural stepping motion which is more like walking than cycling. The pedaling device was specifically designed to exercise the hip extensor muscles to improve walking gait and balance. The force required to operate is minimal during either forward or backward travel. The wide base provides excellent stability while the design makes the cycle attractive.
The tricycles come in three sizes: Small, Medium and Large. Each one is adjustable to assure the perfect fit for all children from small toddlers all the way up to adult size.
Our tricycle celebrates the best of universal design and breaks down the barriers for disabled riders. Many informed physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists now recommend TheraTrike tricycles for therapeutic recreation programs to improve coordination, balance and motor skills.
Other benefits that parents, therapists, and teachers will appreciate include:
- Increased coordination
- Improved muscle strength
- Increased endurance
- Improved balance and postural control
- Increased self-esteem
- Increased social interaction
Testimonials:
Mom in Salt Lake City, Utah
"Our son, age 8, has been using the Therapeutic Tricycle for the past 4 years. At first we got one on loan from United Cerebral Palsy of Utah. Now we have our own. Our son can ride on the sidewalk or on the street and keep up with his two, younger brothers. Due to the larger tires, off road riding is possible. He has ridden on horse trails (watch out for thorns), and on beaches of lakes in our Unita Mountains. Just watch for steep slopes, paved trails work the best. Park City, Utah has some great ones near us. We have found that inspecting the bike is important and making sure needed adjustments are made, it also has a high center of gravity. Our son likes it best because he can play with his brothers and other children in like fashion. We like it because we can all participate as a family in a biking activity."
CR
"Our boy has Spinal Bifida, we got him a Therapeutic Tricycle a few years ago. We would take him to the Church parking lot to ride and in a few minutes all the neighborhood kids would be out riding their bikes with our son. The novelty of the tricycle got their attention and helped our boy be able to participate in play with the other kids and gave him needed freedom. The trike strengthened his muscles and helped to develop and strengthen the eye, hand, and foot coordination."
THANK YOU THERATRIKE!
"Alec loves the freedom that his TheraTrike trike provides. The walking motion of the pedals makes it much easier for him to feel successful. We've tried other tricycles, and always ended up pushing him because he couldn't or wouldn't pedal. He does the pedaling on this trike--then glows with pride at his accomplishment as well!"
LW in Chicago Heights, Illinois
"We received the bike today and my daughter was able to pedal on her own!!!!! It was a moment to remember...thank you for what you've done...you guys are angels!!!"
LP in Logan, Utah
"Finally, my son can be with his friends when they go riding on their bikes. We have tried many different adaptations and it looks like the parallel motion tricycle will work for him. He is very excited."