Sports and Recreation for Those with Lower Limb Amputation or ...

Running
that the inner brim of the socket is
too high to be comfortable when
running . The medial wall of an
above-knee prosthesis can be lowered
considerably and/or the socket
adducted. There is also a new
socket that enables the prosthetic
socket to be flexible . It is called the 1
ISNY Socket (Icelandic-Swedish- 1
New York University). The ISNY
consists of a flexible, vacuumformed,
translucent socket for tissue
support and an outside carbon-fiber-reinforced
frame for
weight transmission . The ISNY
provides greater comfort than a
conventional socket because of its
capacity to change shape in response
to muscular contraction of
the residual limb (Fig. 37a and
37b) .
Fig. 37b . Runners with above-knee amputation . The proximal brim of the prosthesis often
needs to be made flexible to facilitate comfort while running . (Photo courtesy of Sports
Spokes/Paralyzed Veterans of America)
Fig. 37a . The ISNY (Icelandic-Swedish-
New York University Socket . (Photo bY
Bernice Kegel)
Although a hydraulic knee may
not be able to withstand the constant
pounding to which it ioaubjooted
by one who runs 1 .6 to 3 .2
kilometers (one to two miles) a
day, the Mauch S-N-S (Swing-N-
Stance) offers the individual with
amputation a high degree ofuontrol
during vigorous activity. A
knee with a friction control set
for walking will not permit the
foot to swing through quickly
enough to be effective for
a person running at moderate
speed. In this situation, a change
in setting would be necessary. The
assistance of a prosthetist or
physical therapist will be helpful in
finding the optimal setting.
A study done at the University
of Washington showed that many
runners with unilateral lower limb
amputation are capable of running
short distances at speeds of 4 to 5
m/s and of maintaining paces of
approxirnate!y3 rn/s for distances
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