Sport performance with a prosthesis

Technology is a contributory factor to sporting success in many Paralympic sports. This article is about upper and lower limb prostheses that are used in sports. The characteristics of lower limb prosthesis can be modified to respond to predictable leg movements such as with running. Conventional mechanical lower limb prostheses do not respond well to unexpected movements. There are upper limb prostheses that have been adapted for a broad range of sports including fishing, cycling, kayaking, skiing, baseball and even mountain climbing. Techniques are being developed that enable a more natural movement of the prosthesis to occur, such as targeted muscle reinnervation. These techniques are currently still in the experimental stage. The training schedule of the sportsperson must be balanced against his or her tolerance level to avoid mechanical overstrain, not only around the stump but also on the unaffected side. Lower limb prostheses that lead to top sporting successes, such as with running, have resulted in discussions about distorted competition. No upper limb prostheses have led to similar discussions.