Article

This study introduces the importance of the aerodynamics
to prosthetic limb design for athletes with either a lower-limb or upper-limb
amputation. The study comprises two elements: 1) An initial
experiment investigating the stability of outdoor velodrome-based field tests,
and 2) An experiment evaluating the application of outdoor velodrome aerodynamic
field tests to detect small-scale changes in aerodynamic drag respective of
prosthetic limb componentry changes. METHODS: An outdoor field-testing method is
used to detect small and repeatable changes in the aerodynamic drag of an
able-bodied cyclist. These changes were made at levels typical of alterations in
prosthetic componentry. The field-based test method of assessment is used at a
smaller level of resolution than previously reported. RESULTS: With a carefully
applied protocol, the field test method proved to be statistically stable. The
results of the field test experiments demonstrate a noticeable change in overall
athlete performance. Aerodynamic refinement of artificial limbs is worthwhile for
athletes looking to maximise their competitive performance. CONCLUSION: A
field-testing method illustrates the importance of the aerodynamic optimisation
of prosthetic limb components. The field-testing protocol undertaken in this
study gives an accessible and affordable means of doing so by prosthetists and
sports engineers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Using simple and accessible field-testing
methods, this exploratory experiment demonstrates how small changes to riders'
equipment, consummate of the scale of a small change in prosthetics componentry,
can affect the performance of an athlete. Prosthetists should consider such
opportunities for performance enhancement when possible.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS