PeZook wrote:The problem, obviously, is how do you measure "power" of artificial limbs?
Whats wrong with "how fast can they move", "how much weight can they lift" etc?
The problem is setting these standards ; By necessity, they would be pretty much arbitrary. What happens if the prosthetic-using athlete loses not because of inability, but because his prosthetics were limited to artificial standards?
Though I suppose I am making this a bigger problem than it needs to be ; for a case like the above, most of the athlete's ability is limited by his body, not by the prosthetics. These standards could be done, I guess, they'd just need to be done carefully.
You know, bicycle races are a completely separate events from the marathon. Any athelets with prostehtics should have their own independent events for the same reason.
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Broomstick wrote:As I mentioned up-thread - there is precedent in other sports regarding technological aids. For that matter, car racing imposes strict limits on technology rather than letting anything go. There would be a period where the new rules would have to be developed, but this is not an insurmountable obstacle.
I wasn't aware NASCAR was considered a "sport". Of course on that same note, you do NOT see bicyclists competing against motorcycle riders and for good reason.
Please read more carefully - I did NOT say "NASCAR", I said "car racing". Despite what the acronym stands for (the "SC" part is "stock car") NASCAR actually encompasses things like pick up trucks, and to further expand on the concept, not all car racing is part of NASCAR. For example, Formula One is a completely separate group.
Also note that I did not say "car racing" and "sport" in the same sentence. Although some would maintain car racing is a sport (usually for the physical stamina/toughness required and endurance aspects), that IS a debatable point. Car racing, however, is a very good example of a competitive activity where technology is hugely important to performance.
Perhaps I could have been a little clearer, but you are making assumptions about what I said that are just not in the text.
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LMSx wrote:My only concern is that he can literally replace portions of his legs- as a runner I have to deal with blisters, shin splints, busted ankles and general wear and tear. Maybe there's extra strain on his hips from rotational forces, but it sort of sounds like his not experiencing half of the problems. Obviously, however, I don't know what he's feeling on the track.
Not only do they get issues with the blisters but the stump is roughly the size of a fist... imagine walking around on a pair of fists even if they're in funky shoes it's not going to be as comfy as you and I in our running shoes.
Also the circulation in the stump is no where as good as a regular persons' foot. My friend will pull her stump out of her "foot" and it will be cold, like room temp. this affects the healing as well. Also with a slightly loose shoe you might have a blister form, she ends up with a backwards foot (great trick for parties when she spins the whole foot).
