Sport with a Prosthetic leg
Practicing sport with a prosthetic leg is possible, and great for your health. Discover different sports that are perfectly possible with an everyday prosthesis.
Thanks to technology, losing a limb through amputation no longer means becoming immobile. Even competitive sports can be possible, which can go on to become a personal goal, thanks to innovative sports prostheses.
The right prosthesis for your favourite sport
When we talk about sports prostheses, we are usually referring to transfemoral or transtibial lower leg prostheses. To make the prosthesis suitable for sports, it is customised to your body weight and the amount of impact it will be put under. Therefore, it is important to discuss with your prosthetist whether your prosthesis is suitable for your chosen sport.
Sport is healthy and should be fun
The word 'sport' can be daunting as it sounds like a huge effort and commitment. But sport with a prosthesis is not only possible, but advisable, because life with a prosthesis in itself has a certain sporting aspect – it is scientifically proven that your body uses more energy when walking with a prosthesis than without it.
Sport also provides great opportunities to meet other people, making a valuable contribution to your personal rehabilitation and helping you to lead a fulfilling and active life.
Sporting activity not only improves your physical condition - by reducing excess weight, building muscle, and improving your cardiovascular system - but has also been proven to have a positive impact on your mind and therefore on your quality of life.
Which sport is the right one?
It doesn't have to be the Paralympics right away! The variety of sporting activities is extensive - whether alone or with others. If sport wasn’t your thing prior to your amputation, consider what motivates you and what goal you want to achieve. Below are some suggestions for activities that can usually be done with an everyday prosthetic leg.
Nordic Walking
This is a great sport for beginners or for people with a higher BMI, combining fast walking with the use of two walking poles.
Endurance and muscles are trained, and the movement of the upper body using the Nordic walking poles relaxes the shoulder and neck muscles. This sport is well-suited to people who want to get fit again after amputation and want to practise walking with a prosthesis.
The correct execution of Nordic walking may improve the gait pattern and promote mobility.
Cycling
Getting on your bike has several advantages: It is not only environmentally friendly, but also practical for getting from A to B quickly in the city. It also boosts the cardiovascular system and may improve your overall condition.
The muscles are trained, lung function is strengthened, and the consistent action of pedalling can have a calming effect.
For prosthesis wearers who want to get back on their bike for the first time, it is advisable to practise on a stationary bike. Most prosthetic legs and knees are suitable for cycling, and many knees even have an extra cycling mode in which the prosthetic leg moves freely and therefore generates no resistance. This does make cycling easier, however, the level of amputation and the height of the socket affect how comfortable it is on a normal bicycle saddle. considering the same flexion angles as on the contralateral side. Otherwise, a customised saddle or a shorter pedal lever could be a solution.
Do ensure that the prosthetic foot stays on the pedal while cycling. A shoe with a small heel prevents the prosthetic foot from slipping off, and clip pedals, often used in cycling, are a good and even safer alternative.
Dancing
Dancing is most definitely possible with a prosthetic leg!
Swinging the hips, moving the feet in time, and immersing oneself in the music means that dancing is fun while being healthy too. The metabolism is stimulated by the movements, while strength and endurance can improve.
Another positive side effect: calories are also burnt! Plus, it’s up to you to choose whether to dance alone, in pairs, or as part of a group.
To dance, you should have a good feel for the prosthesis. Everything else can then be worked out with the dance instructor, as individual conditions can vary greatly.
So have courage and just try it out!
Horse Riding
Horse riding is like medicine - at least that's what horse owners and enthusiasts say.
Not just recreational riding, there is dressage and show jumping, vaulting, therapeutic riding, and educational therapeutic riding, and it is all possible without a prosthetic leg.
Riding also helps you to find your own centre, maintain balance, and preserve a healthy posture.
If you decide to ride regularly, you have the option of having your saddle adjusted to your personal needs. Regarding the stirrup, it is important to ensure that there is a safety stirrup on the side of the prosthesis to prevent the foot from slipping through or getting stuck.
If you were an experienced rider before the amputation, you will quickly realise which works better for you: riding with or without a prosthesis.
If you’re riding without a prosthesis, you will most likely need some form of help, primarily in the form of a calm horse, a mounting aid, and/or an additional person.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
One of the trend sports of recent years is probably stand-up paddle boarding, also known as SUP.
Standing on a board, you move forwards with a long paddle. It takes some practice to be able to stand upright on the rather narrow board on the water and keep moving. Balance is everything here.
But this is exactly what trains the deep muscles and challenges the abdominal, back and buttock muscles.
It is important for prosthesis wearers that the socket is secure, and the valve is tight. And most importantly: your prosthesis must be waterproof!
A neoprene suit is recommended. Not only does it keep you warm, it also secures the prostheses in the trouser leg in case it comes off.
Yoga
This partly philosophical-spiritual sport is widely offered and practised nowadays because it is the optimal blend of muscle building, and health and fitness for body and mind.
If you wear an arm prosthesis, it is ideal for preventing postural problems and strengthening your back. But even if you wear a prosthetic leg, you can make the most of yoga sessions to build muscle and improve your (inner) balance.
Simply roll out the mat in your living room and start with a YouTube video.
Please note that the exercises may need to be modified.
Whatever you chose, each sport has its own challenges and attractions. Just remember that first and foremost, the prosthesis should be adapted to you - not the other way round. And the most important thing is to have fun.
Your prosthetist will recommend you the best prosthetic solution for your sport.
Important
Consult a healthcare professional or prosthetist if unsure about the recommendations' suitability for an individual.