Explain how biomechanical principles can be applied to increase movement efficiency and reduce injury risk in athletes with prosthetic limbs. (6 marks)
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- The prosthetic limb acts as a lever for residual muscles. This occurs because remaining muscles pull on the prosthetic attachment to create movement.
- As a result, proper alignment maximises force transfer efficiency. This reduces energy expenditure during running or walking significantly.
- Carbon fibre materials store energy during ground contact. This happens when the material compresses and then springs back.
- Consequently, this elastic energy return reduces muscular effort needed. This enables athletes to maintain speed with less fatigue.
- Prosthetic design adjusts the athlete’s centre of gravity. This is necessary because missing limb mass alters body balance.
- Therefore, correct positioning prevents compensatory movements. This protects the spine and opposite limb from overuse injuries.
- Custom sockets distribute pressure evenly across residual limb. This works by spreading forces over larger surface areas.
- This prevents pressure sores and tissue breakdown. As a result, athletes can train longer without injury interruptions.
- Gait analysis identifies movement asymmetries between limbs. This reveals uneven forces that could cause joint damage.
- Subsequently, prosthetic adjustments normalise stride patterns. This reduces abnormal loading that causes wear injuries over time.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
- The prosthetic limb acts as a lever for residual muscles. This occurs because remaining muscles pull on the prosthetic attachment to create movement.
- As a result, proper alignment maximises force transfer efficiency. This reduces energy expenditure during running or walking significantly.
- Carbon fibre materials store energy during ground contact. This happens when the material compresses and then springs back.
- Consequently, this elastic energy return reduces muscular effort needed. This enables athletes to maintain speed with less fatigue.
- Prosthetic design adjusts the athlete’s centre of gravity. This is necessary because missing limb mass alters body balance.
- Therefore, correct positioning prevents compensatory movements. This protects the spine and opposite limb from overuse injuries.
- Custom sockets distribute pressure evenly across residual limb. This works by spreading forces over larger surface areas.
- This prevents pressure sores and tissue breakdown. As a result, athletes can train longer without injury interruptions.
- Gait analysis identifies movement asymmetries between limbs. This reveals uneven forces that could cause joint damage.
- Subsequently, prosthetic adjustments normalise stride patterns. This reduces abnormal loading that causes wear injuries over time.