I’m an amputee. Are there sports or activities that I can participate in?

Absolutely! Participation in sports and physical activity can significantly benefit people physically and psychologically. It’s no different for you either! The spirit of sports is often about overcoming challenges and pushing limits, and we can help you achieve just that in your chosen sports.

I want to learn more about amputees and sports!

Before the first official Paralympic Games took place in 1960, its purpose was rehabilitation for war veterans and civilians with impairments after World War 2. Since then, the Paralympic Movement steadily evolved from a rehabilitation sport, to recreational, to competitive sport. It’s enabled people like our Australian Paralympics Team to participate and compete in the sports they love!

Can I use prosthetics to participate in sport?

Managing physical strain and fatigue differently due to limb loss can be a barrier if you’re wanting to get back into sports – which is where prosthetics come in!

Prosthetics, which were commonly made from wood and leather, gave amputees more support when going about their daily lives, but were clunky, heavy, and difficult to clean, especially once perspiration was absorbed. It was in the 1970s when plastics, resins, and carbon fibre were introduced as lightweight alternatives, and once combined with synthetic sockets, prosthetics became much more comfortable as they were custom fitted for each patient.

Advancements in prosthetics have opened more doors and options for amputees, and it’s thanks to the countless hours of research, and specific skills of technicians that have made these advances in technology and adaptive equipment possible. Highly specialised prosthetics can be used for high-performance sports such as swimming, running, and cycling.

I’m an amputee that loves sport! What prosthetics are available for me?

Plenty! Prosthetics these days can vary widely in their design and function, impacting an athlete’s performance differently depending on the sport. We can provide you with a wide range of advanced prosthetics that empower you to perform at levels comparable to, or even exceeding those of able-bodied athletes in certain disciplines!

What prosthetics can I use for swimming?

Prosthetics that have been designed for swimming enhance mobility and comfort whilst swimming and diving. By attaching to the residual limb directly, it eliminates any discomfort caused by traditional fins and allows greater freedom of movement in the water, enabling safe participation in aquatic sports and therapy.

What prosthetics can I use for running?

Prosthetics for running bridge the gap between the everyday foot, and sport specific prosthesis in a single device. These feet combine high flexibility and dynamic performance, making it perfect for not only flat surfaces, but also when transitioning to the gym, to tennis and basketball courts, or even to soccer, football, and lacrosse fields. They’re intended for patients that require competition level energy return.

AllPro series	Blade XT	Obsidian series
Available in Adult, Paediatric, and Posterior Mount	Available in Standard and Mini	Available in Adult, Paediatric, and Sprint
Also completely waterproof!

What prosthetics can I use for cycling / biking?

Whilst cycling, prosthetic feet can give unmatched energy transfer. This eliminates energy lost to weight caused by a foot shell and shoe, as well as energy lost due to shoe and foot shell flex. They’re design gives optimal power stroke, fit, and alignment for cycling, making it ideal for K3-K4 level ambulators who desire a lightweight, durable, and rigid foot.

Coyote Cyclone Bike Foot

What prosthetics can I use for kayaking and water sports?

Prosthetic attachments for gripping provide a more natural “wrist action”. This range of motion ensures better, more powerful control over the paddle whilst kayaking. Canoeing, rowing, and other water sport applications are also possible with handle modifications.

Hammerhead Pivot

What prosthetics can I use for a variety of sports?

Prosthetics that are suitable for a variety of sports have the unique feature of providing compression and rebound – quite unlike anything else on the market. They can be used for a diverse range of sports including wakeboarding, snowboarding, motocross, gym, and plenty more!

Moto Knee 2	Versa Foot 2

The Moto Knee and Versa Foot were designed by Mike Schultz, a paralympic champion and owner of BioDapt! These prosthetics can also be seen by other competitors in the Paralympics.

Where can I get a prosthesis for sport?

If you’re looking for a prosthesis for sport, visit your nearest OAPL clinic and discuss your options with one of our friendly and professional prosthetists. We are more than happy to help!

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