Recreational & Sports Prosthetics
Specialised sports prosthetics and recreational prostheses can help people with limb loss or limb difference participate in the activities and sports they enjoy. From running blades and athletic prostheses to solutions for cycling, swimming and hiking, the right prosthetic design can be tailored to your activity, goals and level of participation.
At Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics, our experienced prosthetists work with you to develop prosthetic solutions designed around your individual requirements. Our team has more than 60 years of combined experience in providing recreational and sports prosthetic solutions.
Whether you’re returning to a favourite activity, taking up a new sport, or working towards a specific performance goal, we can help you explore your prosthetic options.
Running Blades & Athletic Prosthetics
Running blades are specialised sports prostheses designed specifically for running and athletic activities. Unlike everyday prosthetic limbs, running prostheses are designed around the high-impact forces, rapid movement and specific biomechanics involved in running.
A running blade can provide energy return and help support efficient movement during running. The design and setup of the prosthesis are tailored to the individual, taking into consideration factors such as activity, running goals, residual limb characteristics, strength, experience and biomechanics.
Sports prosthetics are not one-size-fits-all. Our prosthetists assess your individual requirements to help determine an appropriate prosthetic configuration for your chosen activity.
Recreational Prosthetics
Sports and recreational prosthetics can be designed for a wide range of activities, including:
- Running and athletics
- Mountain biking and cycling
- Swimming
- Hiking and walking on varied terrain
- Fitness and gym activities
- Other recreational and sporting activities
Different activities place different demands on a prosthesis. A prosthetic solution designed for running, for example, will have different characteristics from one designed primarily for everyday walking or cycling.
Our prosthetists can discuss your goals and help identify an appropriate solution for your chosen activity.
How Are Sports Prosthetics Different?
A standard everyday prosthesis is generally designed to provide comfortable, reliable mobility for daily activities. A sports prosthesis, on the other hand, is designed around the specific demands of a particular activity or sport.
Depending on the activity, sports prostheses may incorporate specialised components and materials designed to provide characteristics such as:
- Energy return
- Shock absorption
- Flexibility
- Strength and durability
- Reduced weight
- Increased range of movement
- Sport-specific functionality
The most appropriate design will depend on your individual needs and the activity you want to participate in.
Expert Prosthetic Care
Choosing a sports prosthesis involves more than selecting a specialised component. Proper alignment, socket fit, component selection and adjustment are all important considerations when developing a prosthesis for an athletic or recreational activity.
Our experienced prosthetists take the time to understand your goals and assess your individual requirements. We can then work with you to develop and refine a prosthetic solution that supports your participation and performance.
With more than 60 years of combined experience in recreational and sports prosthetics, our team can provide expert guidance throughout the process.
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.