Getting active together: Last weekend, people with lower limb amputations came together at the Ottobock Running Clinic in Duderstadt to test sports prostheses and develop their athletic skills under professional guidance. The training weekend was led by Paralympic champion Heinrich Popow, who founded the Running Clinics more than fifteen years ago.

Whether participants were taking their very first steps on a sports prosthesis or saw the weekend as an opportunity to train for ambitious athletic goals did not matter. The Running Clinic concept encourages people to gain new experiences, embrace personal challenges, and connect with others who share similar experiences.

"In my opinion, sport is the best medicine there is, for absolutely everything. That is why it is so important to me to help people become active," said Heinrich Popow, who over the course of the three-day event not only served as a coach, but also contributed his expertise as a certified prosthetist and orthotist, motivated participants, and at times offered emotional support when it was needed most.

More Than Training: Sport as a Path to Greater Mobility

For many of the 18 participants, rediscovering the movements involved in running brought back long-forgotten emotions. "When I arrived, I wasn't sure what to expect. Now, after standing on a sports prosthesis, I'm going home with a completely different feeling. I've experienced what's possible and met incredible people who encouraged me to be brave and try new things," said one participant.

Alongside the training sessions, the sense of community played a central role throughout the weekend. Participants used the opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another, and build new connections. Conversations with experienced prosthetists and orthotists not only helped ensure an optimal fitting of the sports prostheses, but also provided valuable insights into how sport can once again become a regular part of everyday life after amputation.

Breaking Down Barriers and Expanding Access to Sport

However, obtaining reimbursement for a sports prosthesis is often the first hurdle many people face. "With this program, we want to help prosthesis users become active again. An active lifestyle is often especially important after an amputation, for example to prevent postural problems and other secondary complications. In addition to the sports activities themselves, we also provide guidance and support on topics such as applying for and obtaining reimbursement for a sports prosthesis," explained Felix Musiol, Ottobock Market Manager Prosthetics, who organized the Running Clinics weekend in Duderstadt.

Since 2011, Running Clinics have been held around the world. The event in Duderstadt once again highlighted the difference that access to sport, professional support, and a strong community can make in the lives of people with limb loss.