Prosthetic leg for bicycling

[dhackney]

source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...d=ITP_review_1

An Artificial Leg for the Serious Cyclist

Cadence, a prosthetic leg prototype for cyclists with below-the-knee amputations, is intended to fix some of the problems experienced by serious disabled athletes.

Skilled cyclists know the most efficient pedal stroke applies force through a full 360 degrees, but most amputees are able to apply only up-and-down force—there's a significant "dead zone." Cadence allows for a more natural stroke partly by means of a rubberized cord extending down its back, roughly where the Achilles tendon would be. Many amputees also bolt pedal clips to their prosthetics, but they have trouble generating the sideways torque necessary to disconnect them, leading to crashes. Here, you extract the foot by pedaling backward. The elegant Cadence, designed to match other sleek bike gear, recently won its maker, Seth Astle, a gold award from the Industrial Designers

cadence-RV-AE143_PROSTH_DV_20110902155956.jpg

[haven]

Thanks for sharing.

Now physically challenged triathletes need a quick disconnect system, so they can quickly swap the riding leg for a leg designed for running!