The importance of aerodynamics for prosthetic limb design used by competitive cyclists with an amputation: An introduction

Authors: Dyer, B.

Journal: Prosthetics and Orthotics International

Volume: 39

Issue: 3

Pages: 232-237

eISSN: 1746-1553

ISSN: 0309-3646

DOI: 10.1177/0309364614527121

Abstract:

Background/Objectives: This study introduces the importance of the aerodynamics to prosthetic limb design for athletes with either a lower-limb or upper-limb amputation. Study design: 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.

Source: Scopus

The importance of aerodynamics for prosthetic limb design used by competitive cyclists with an amputation: An introduction.

Authors: Dyer, B.

Journal: Prosthet Orthot Int

Volume: 39

Issue: 3

Pages: 232-237

eISSN: 1746-1553

DOI: 10.1177/0309364614527121

Abstract:

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study introduces the importance of the aerodynamics to prosthetic limb design for athletes with either a lower-limb or upper-limb amputation. STUDY DESIGN: 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.

Source: PubMed

The importance of aerodynamics for prosthetic limb design used by competitive cyclists with an amputation: An introduction

Authors: Dyer, B.

Journal: PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS INTERNATIONAL

Volume: 39

Issue: 3

Pages: 232-237

eISSN: 1746-1553

ISSN: 0309-3646

DOI: 10.1177/0309364614527121

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

The importance of aerodynamics for prosthetic limb design used by competitive cyclists with an amputation: An introduction

Authors: Dyer, B.

Journal: Prosthetics and Orthotics International

Volume: 39

Pages: 232-237

DOI: 10.1177/0309364614527121

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Bryce Dyer

The importance of aerodynamics for prosthetic limb design used by competitive cyclists with an amputation: An introduction.

Authors: Dyer, B.

Journal: Prosthetics and orthotics international

Volume: 39

Issue: 3

Pages: 232-237

eISSN: 1746-1553

ISSN: 0309-3646

DOI: 10.1177/0309364614527121

Abstract:

Background/objectives

This study introduces the importance of the aerodynamics to prosthetic limb design for athletes with either a lower-limb or upper-limb amputation.

Study design

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.

Source: Europe PubMed Central