Special Olympics Athletes with Physical Disabilities
Amputees/Absent Limbs
Some amputees may have lost a significant amount of surface area that could also impair their ability to lose heat. It is therefore necessary that the athlete consume extra fluids to help regulate their body temperature.
Care needs to be taken with a leg amputee in getting to and from poolside. Do not encourage athletes to hop, due to the possibility of a slippery poolside. The athletes can be assisted with crutches or a chair. Frequently, the artificial leg is removed poolside (keep it dry) so that the athlete can easily enter pool and can replace the prosthesis on exit; a poolside chair may be required. This allows for greater independence for the swimmer.
Care is required, when a double-arm amputee is diving, as there are no arms to protect the head.
In the early stages, it is advisable to train an arm amputee to breathe to the side of the amputation. When they are able, help them progress to bilateral breathing.
The stump must be used and moved in the same direction as if it existed. This will assist with balance.
