LLLDAM2025: Limb Loss & Limb Difference Awareness Month

April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month^1,2,3

The O&P PT is thrilled to celebrate national Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM)! Together let’s support the 5.6 million Americans with LLLD and our country’s national campaign So Every BODY Can Move. This vital movement is aimed to procure legislation in every state to allow access to activity-specific prostheses and orthoses. These interventions allow individuals to participate in activities necessary for physical health and well-being. This may range from activities of daily living to sports. Unfortunately, inadequate insurance coverage often leaves people with LLLD without opportunities to explore their health options. Thankfully, we can make a difference together by supporting legislation within our states. Check your state’s status today and get involved.

So Every BODY Can Move^2,4

Participation in recreation, leisure and sports have a myriad of health benefits including improved physical and mental health. These activities help prevent and manage health conditions such as heart disease, chronic pain, depression, stress, anxiety and cognitive decline. Prosthetic and orthotic devices designed for every day functional mobility often lack the capabilities to allow for specific activities including recreation and sports. Activity-specific prostheses and orthoses allow the user equitable access to healthy living.

Adaptive Swimming^5-8

Swimming is the one of the most common forms of aerobic activity performed by individuals with LLLD. While it can be performed without the use of prosthetic technology, muscle asymmetries and risk of injury prevail leading to functional implications. These altered biomechanics become more apparent with shorter residual limbs particularly when altered swim strokes lead to increased periods of rotation and torque at joints.  The use of a swimming prosthesis adjusts for this biomechanical disadvantage.

Most everyday prostheses are not waterproof and are susceptible to damage and rust. Prosthetic technology designed for swimming allows for improved function in and out of the water as those with a lower limb prosthesis can utilize it to access the body of water. Prosthetic feet angles can be changed for walking to the water and tilted to reduce resistance while swimming.  Adaptive fins and paddles may be utilized for upper and lower limbs to aid in propulsion against the resistance of the water. In addition to the positive impact on physical health and function with the use of swimming-specific prostheses, swimmers with limb absence have identified improvements with mental and social well-being.

Adaptive Running^9-12

Prosthetic running has a higher metabolic cost than able-bodied running. Daily use prostheses are not designed for running and predispose the user to biomechanical differences that increase risk for injury. Running Specific Prostheses (RSP) grant the prosthetic user greater energy return and damping of forces transmitted through the body. Most designs have a carbon “C” or “J” shaped running blade to allow for efficient storing and releasing of energy. While insurance coverage of a RSP is not guaranteed, there are opportunities to trial running prostheses and apply for grants for running blades. Check out Amputee Blade Runners to see if you are a candidate.

Adaptive Cycling^13-15

Cycling is another beneficial aerobic activity that provides health benefits for the mind and body. For individuals with LLLD, cycling configuration and use of activity-specific prostheses are warranted to mitigate the asymmetries and altered biomechanics that may occur despite the lower-limb motions being independent of the person’s body weight. Lack of prosthetic ankle motion can create a need for greater extension towards bottom pedal position and more hip/knee flexion in the highest pedal position compared to the sound limb. To address this asymmetry, Flores et al (2025) suggest lowering saddle height for leisure cyclists with unilateral transtibial amputations. The power generated is lower comparatively, however, the comfort level is improved. Alternatively, there are cycling-specific prostheses to promote efficient cycling. Aerodynamic, thin, flat lower-limb prosthetic components help slice the air and reduce turbulence during cycling.

Interested in trying adaptive sports with your prosthetic and/or orthotic devices or serving as a volunteer? Check out some of these amazing clinics and learn a new skill from a knowledgeable source.

• Challenged Athletes Foundation
• Össur and CAF Running and Mobility Clinic
• Camp No Limits
• Move United
• OPAF and The First Clinics

---