HYBRID AND ALTERNATIVE PROSTHETIC DESIGNS FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION

Abstract

The pursuit of sports and recreation activities continues to expand in both able bodied and physically challenged populations. Persons with a hand absence(s) may in certain instances have more leisure time than their two handed peers allowing them to participate more frequently in activities like golf, tennis and water sports. Many individuals with a physical challenge, such as a hand absence, wish to perform their leisure time or sports activities competitively. These individuals require prosthetic technology that allows them to achieve those goals. The type of prosthesis that they utilize for their ADL, work environment and domestic life most likely will not provide the level of technology required for participation in high performance sports and recreation activities. Sophisticated, externally powered prostheses, although highly functional, are not necessarily the logical choice for these activities. In fact the application of this type of prosthetic technology to rigorous sports and recreation can prove detrimental to the life and function of these prostheses. Similarly, most basic body powered prostheses, although simple, rugged and dependable most likely do not provide the level of function required to perform at optimal levels in sports and recreation activities