Happy 5th BDay to my fav early morning coffee shop, @dojocoffee. Free small coffee with any purchase in celebration.
255 days ago
RT @MariahGardner: If you want the world to make a little bit of sense, sometimes you just have to presume that people are off their meds.
257 days ago
@ImTheQ Top news story in Memphis: "Man calls 911, demands tacos" No doubt
257 days ago
When Does Rehab Stop and Performance Enhancing Begin?
Posted Sep 14 2008 3:59pm
Here is an article about Oscar Pistorius of South Africa, who is petitioning to be allowed to run in the Olympics with two below-the-knee prosthesis. He is, by far, the best para-olympic runner. His time in the 400 is good enough to win the women's event at the last Olympics. However, rules are rules and there is now a debate about whether or not he should be allowed to run.
As a Physical Therapist I find myself in an uncomfortable place in this argument. I feel professionally bound to fight for the ablement of the disabled. However, I do also respect that in a human competition of physical performance there needs to be a definite line drawn with respect to mechanical aides. Oscar was born without a fibula in either leg, and so learned to walk without legs. This fact probably proves crucial to both his adept running skill and his outlook on the matter.
“I don’t see myself as disabled,” said Oscar Pistorius, a former rugby and water polo player. “There’s nothing I can’t do that able-bodied athletes can do.”
Robert Gailey, an associate professor of Physical Therapy at the University of Miami Medical School was featured in the article as he described the overwhelming mechanical disadvantage it is to run with prostheses. All well and good, except for the fact that the prostheses are performance aids by definition. For now they are a disadvantage, later they may be an advantage. The SPARKy ankle joint is a prime example of a positive energy prosthesis.
I want to be on the side of Mr. Pistorius. I just don't think I am. That said, we should all take a moment to acknowledge what a gifted athlete this individual truly is.
Robert Gailey, an associate professor of Physical Therapy at the University of Miami Medical School was featured in the article as he described the overwhelming mechanical disadvantage it is to run with prostheses. All well and good, except for the fact that the prostheses are performance aids by definition. For now they are a disadvantage, later they may be an advantage. The SPARKy ankle joint is a prime example of a positive energy prosthesis.
Labels: physical therapy, sports