Sporting activities
Cycling
A feeling of freedom: medi's test patient Peter Tanner reports step for step on how he learned to ride his bike with a prosthesis.
A feeling of freedom: medi's test patient Peter Tanner reports step for step on how he learned to ride his bike with a prosthesis.
He rides a man's bike with a crossbar and with 10 gears. The right pedal should be extended by about 4 cm with a spacer to prevent the heel getting caught on the pedal's crank arm. It may be possible to remove this again after a few hours' practice.
A standard plastic toe strap is attached to the pedal to hold the tip of the toe and trimmed so that the foot can be taken off the pedal freely - without any resistance. This guides the foot when pedalling and stops it falling off the pedal. You should never use a toe-clip that holds the foot firmly on the pedal. The danger is too high that, if you fall, you can't get your foot out of the toe-clip quickly enough to stop the fall. Now adjust the height of the saddle to suit the supporting leg. A crash helmet is absolutely indispensible.
Follow the steps described below:
1. Place your supporting leg firmly and securely on the ground. Hold the bike on the amputated side, in front of and at the side of the prosthetic leg.
2. Set the pedal on the amputated side at 11:00. Firmly brake the back and front wheels.
3. Bike with a crossbar: stretch the prosthetic leg, swing it high over the back wheel, sit on the saddle.
4. The hand on the side of the supporting leg holds the brake while the hand on the amputated side releases the prosthetic leg from extension and places it on the pedal at 11:00.
5. Leave your supporting leg on the ground and hold the handlebar with both hands. Now push off with the supporting leg and press down firmly on the pedal with the prosthetic leg at the same time. As soon as the bike gets some momentum place your supporting leg on the pedal and pedal.
6. Pedal alternately with your legs and the bike will roll on and on ....
The greatest danger spot - dismounting: slow down as far as you can. Shift your weight to the supporting leg, then place the supporting leg safely and firmly on the ground. Keep your hands on the brakes.
7. Stay seated on the saddle. The hand on the side of the supporting leg stays on the brake while the hand on the amputated side extends the prosthetic leg. Then hold the brake again with the hand on the side of the prosthetic leg[EAGS1] . Swing the prosthetic leg back over the back wheel and place it on the ground.
This description is from Mr Tanner's personal experience. Everyone will have to try it out for his- or herself to see what works best.
[EAGS1]Translator’s note: Please note: in the German version, Herr Tanner speaks of braking with the right hand here. However, the other brake would be used if the left leg has been amputated. Thus, the English has been translated to be suitable for an amputation on either side