Amputee Fittness Essay, Research Paper

Amputee Fittness

The new advancements in prosthetics have allowed amputees and people born without limbs to participate in many activities. In order to keep fit and at an optimum weight amputees need to exercise. With prosthetics they can do many exercises as normal people. Training on a treadmill is a way for them to keep the cardiovascular system. This way can keep aerobic fitness where the heart and lungs are healthy. Also good for aerobic health, is stationary rowing which can be easily done by prosthetic wearers. Many amputees with prosthetic legs concentrate more on he upper body and basically just tone the lower extremities. Since they are lacking muscles in the leg they often can only do light weight exercises with their legs. Keeping up the strength in their legs is very important for amputees in order for them to walk. When walking with a prosthetic leg different muscles are used than with a normal leg. More of the strength must come from the thigh area if they are lacking calf muscles. As you can see, though amputees have disadvantages they can still do many exercises a person with original limbs can.