Recreational & Sports Prosthetics
Specially designed prostheses can be used for recreational activities or athletics. Prostheses used in athletics, especially sprinting, need to withstand enormous forces and are not suitable for normal locomotion due to their unique design.
Amputees that require solutions for specific activities like mountain biking, swimming or hiking have numerous options to choose from.
Our Senior Prosthetists have a combined experience of more than 60-years in manufacturing recreational and sport prostheses, book an appointment to discuss your unique prosthetic needs today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sports prosthetics?
Sports prosthetics are specialised devices designed to meet the unique demands of various sports and physical activities. An example is the running blade, which provides energy return and shock absorption to the athlete, allowing an individual to achieve greater efficiency and performance while minimising fatigue.
These specialised prosthetic devices for sports empower individuals to pursue their athletic passions, challenge themselves, and achieve excellence.
Sports prosthetics are constructed of advanced composite materials, which provide a high strength-to-weight ratio. These features make sports prosthetics more responsive and help reduce friction. This allows for a wider range of motion and speed increase.
How do sports prosthetics differ from regular prosthetic limbs?
Each type of prosthetic, whether sports or a regular prosthetic, aims to restore mobility and function to individuals with limb loss or limb difference. Sports recreational prosthetics are built lighter and more flexible than regular prosthetics.
A regular prosthetic prioritises comfort, support, and functionality for everyday life, whereas a sports prosthetic is designed to meet the unique needs of the sport.
How durable are sports prosthetics?
Sports prosthetics are designed to withstand the unique stresses and demands placed on them by athletes in their chosen sport; however, they are not immune to wear and tear.
It’s important to undertake regular cleaning, repair and replacements to reduce the amount of wear and tear, to ensure the prosthetic is safe and functioning optimally.
The lifespan of a sports prosthetic can vary depending on the materials used and how often it is used. The best prosthetic foot for sports typically requires frequent replacement.
Can athletes with sports prosthetics compete at the same level as non-disabled athletes?
Generally, no. Athletes with disabilities can compete in sports events that classify them according to their disability, for example, the classification system in the Paralympics.
However, there are a handful of disabled athletes who can compete on the same level as non-disabled athletes. Many sports disciplines will allow an even playing field, like archery.
With advanced prosthetics tailored to individual needs and dedication to intensive training, athletes with disabilities can compete at the highest levels of sport. The future of inclusive competition is bright, and Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics is here to provide advanced prosthetics for athletes to help them achieve their dreams.