Amputees attending the 2017 Para-Rowing International Training Camp and Regatta at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida will have the opportunity to try out innovative prosthetic knees and feet specifically designed for adaptive sports during the Ottobock Fitness Revolution on March 10th from 8am until 4pm and March 11th from 8am to 3pm.

The Ottobock Fitness Revolution event helps amputees re-engage with activities they loved before losing a limb. It allows amputees to find new ways of living an active lifestyle that is especially crucial after limb loss. In fact, a study shows that after a six-week exercise program, amputees’ cardiorespiratory performance measures increased to the level of able bodied subjects (1).

A skilled expert from Austin, Texas based Ottobock will also be on hand to facilitate patient fittings and help camp participants get active and moving, no matter what their level of expertise. Camp participants will also have the opportunity to try prosthetics like the Fitness knee and Runner foot used by Paralympic Champions.

“We’re excited to be part of the Para-Rowing International Training Camp and Regatta that is bringing together amputees, education and innovative technology to help people get active and live healthier lives," said Aaron Holm, Ottobock Manager of Consumer Engagement. “Many amputees have never been exposed to fitness opportunities or been able to live an active lifestyle after their amputation.”

About the Para-Rowing International Training Camp and Regatta: The camp takes place March 4th – 12th and brings together athletes from countries throughout the Americas to train and compete in multiple sports. Objectives of the camp are to increase the number of Para-rowing coaches and athletes from countries where Para-rowing is nonexistent or emerging, increase opportunities for all participating athletes to compete in Para-rowing at a world-class venue, and expand opportunities for all participants in cross-training.

Rob Jones, Paralympic Bronze Medalist in Para Rowing (mixed double sculls), will be a featured speaker for camp participants on Thursday, March 9th from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Sarasota, Florida. Jones, a retired U.S. Marine Sergeant who became a bilateral above knee amputee in July of 2010 while serving in Afghanistan, will discuss the importance of strength and conditioning for para athletes. For the past three years Jones has been using X3 microprocessor knees, developed by Ottobock in collaboration the US military, to help him regain his mobility and become more independent.

You can learn more about the Para-Rowing International Training Camp and Regatta by contacting Tom Darling, USRowing Director of Para-Rowing at tdarling@usrowing.org or visiting www.usrowing.org.

1. Chin T, Sawamura S, Fujita H, et al. Physical fitness of lower limb amputees. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2002; 81 (5): 321-5