Health

Recreational and Competitive Activities

Today’s amputees participate in many recreational and competitive activities. Some perform these activities with or without the use of a prosthesis and essentially are not limited in their abilities. From downhill skiing to scuba diving, from fishing to golf, the sky is literally the limit for what many active amputees elect to do. They have been known to participate in professional sports and have even accomplished what able-bodied individuals are unable to do. For example, a gentleman with a bilateral below-knee amputation has successfully climbed Mt. Everest and others have raced in Ironman Triathlons, two of the most physically challenging activities in the world.

Various types of prosthesis and assistive devices that are designed nowadays assist the amputee in performing many of these amazing feats of athletic abilities. Athletes with disabilities have become so great in number and have excelled in performance that there are now national and international competitions for various sports. Amputees can even compete every four years in an international competition similar to the Olympic Games known as the Paralympic Games. The Paralympic Games showcase extremely skilled athletes with various disabilities from around the world competing for gold, silver and bronze medals. Amputees, among others with physical disabilities, make up a significant proportion of these athletes.

Can an amputee drive?

Most upper or lower limb amputees can drive. However this involves the use of a prosthesis as well as adaptations to the vehicle that make it easier and safer for the amputee to drive. Individuals with left leg amputation do not need any adaptations as long as the vehicle is automatic. A person who had his right leg amputated may have the gas pedal switched over to the left side so that the left leg has the main control. If both legs are missing, then hand controls can be used.

Upper limb amputees may need changes made to the steering wheel so that they can properly grip and turn the wheel to make driving safer. Certain rehabilitation centers offer driving training and evaluation to ensure that drivers are safe. These centers can often be located by searching over the internet. After completion of a driving evaluation or training, most states will require some form of formal testing before a person with a disability is allowed to get back onto the road in his vehicle. By law if an individual is not safe to drive but continues to do so against the medical team’s recommendation, some states require the medical team to contact state authorities so that driving privileges be suspended. An individual should check with local and state law enforcement officials to determine laws and regulations in his respective areas.