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Individuals who have undergone amputation at or above the knee about 30 years ago were said to have had an overall mortality rate 1.4 times greater than non-amputees and a mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases almost 1.7 times as large. 

It is believed that the sedentary lifestyle that is not uncommon to many amputees at the time was a contributing factor.  This is one of many reasons that doctors and prosthetists have come to believe that physical activity is very important for amputees.  Regular participation in physical activity is also responsible for improved strength, cardiopulmonary endurance, muscle coordination, and balance in amputees.  Additionally, participation in competitive athletics is thought to be linked to the improvement of coping behavior, cognitive abilities, mood, psychological well-being, self-confidence and self-esteem.

Over the years, a large number of organizations have evolved to encourage amputee participation in organized athletics.  In addition, many of these groups were motivated by amputees who were athletes prior to their amputations and did not want to stop participating in their sport.  The most notable of athletic competitions for disabled athletes is the Paralympics.  Started in 1960 in England for spinal cord injury patients, the Paralympics evolved in 1976 to include other disabilities, and namely limb deficient athletes – athletes with prostheses.  The Paralympics are coordinated with the Olympics in time and place and include athletes from over 120 countries.

If you have a patient or an amputee who would like to return an active lifestyle that includes physical activity please call Central Brace & Limb Co., 1-800-277-LIMB.  One of our qualified staff members with an extensive background in exercise physiology and biomechanics would be happy to help.