Our human bodies are amazing, as is the technology there is that enables us to make use of what body parts we do not have; that we would otherwise have in common with most humans. For instance, take Oxcar Pistorius; an amazing athlete who's manage to compete in able-bodied track and field competitions after trying out his incredible prosthetic legs called Ossur Cheetah Flex-Feet (AKA: "Blade Runner").
Even though Flex-Feet are used by several Paralympics, Oscar's the only double amputee to have ever participated in able-bodied track and field competitions. This caused a debate among other competitors as to whether or not Flex-Feet are actually better than using original flesh and blood human feet to run with.
Flex--Feet enables Oscar to run stride--for-stride with able-bodied sprinters. Does this mean he's got an unfair advantage? Let's see.
When the Flex-Foot hits the track, its J-shaped curve is like a spring, it compresses and stores potential energy and returns to its original shape and releases its stored energy like being pushed forward when the athlete moves forward.
Whether or not Flex-Feet grant an advantage over conventional limbs, is hard to say. Positively, though, the prosthetic allows the athlete to run using approximately 25 percent less energy. However, the spring effect of the Flex-Feet, which return 90 percent of the energy put into them, is much weaker than the push of real feet.
The Flex-Foot is made from lightweight material, carbon fiber, which has superior strength, flexability, durability.
Athletes can train longer with less impact on the knees, hips and lower back; which is also what the Flex-Foot offers by acting like a a shock absorber! Very Cool.
No comments:
Post a Comment