Sport wheelchairs
Sport is healthy for everyone. It strengthens our immune system and muscles. Additionally, it triggers the production of happiness hormones. Especially wheelchair users should regularly engage in additional physical activities. This increases the stability of the spine, can reduce pain, and alleviates digestive problems. The best-known wheelchair sport is probably basketball. But many other sports are no longer a problem in a wheelchair. Whether recreational athletes or competitive athletes, individual sportspeople or team players — Ottobock offers the right sports wheelchair for every need.
Sport is healthy for everyone. It strengthens our immune system and muscles. Additionally, it triggers the production of happiness hormones. Especially wheelchair users should regularly engage in additional physical activities. This increases the stability of the spine, can reduce pain, and alleviates digestive problems. The best-known wheelchair sport is probably basketball. But many other sports are no longer a problem in a wheelchair. Whether recreational athletes or competitive athletes, individual sportspeople or team players — Ottobock offers the right sports wheelchair for every need.
With a sports wheelchair it is possible to perform many different sports such as basketball, rugby or tennis. It differs from other wheelchairs in several aspects in order to meet the specific requirements of sports activities. Sports wheelchairs are generally designed for stability with the lowest possible net weight in order to enable improved manoeuvrability and speed, which are essential for sports competitions. Ottobock attaches great importance to stability and durability when designing a sports wheelchair so that it can withstand the increased physical strain associated with sports. Almost all of the sports wheelchairs are therefore permanently welded. The manufacturer uses high-quality, lightweight materials such as aluminium or carbon. Reinforcements such as a ram guard or special protection bars provide additional safety. Furthermore, the sports wheelchairs offer individual adjustment options to ensure the best possible performance as well as a high level of comfort for the athletes*. Below we have compiled the most important information regarding the various Ottobock sports wheelchairs for children and adults as well as how to apply for the device.
What is a sports wheelchair?
A sports wheelchair is a specially designed wheelchair, which is optimised for participation in various sports activities and competitions. In contrast to conventional wheelchairs, which are primarily designed for everyday mobility and comfort, a sports wheelchair has features that are specifically tailored to the needs of people with disabilities doing sports. Sports wheelchairs, for example, do not have push handles or brakes, since these are not necessary for sports and may pose a risk of injury.
What sports are sports wheelchairs available for?
Wheelchair basketball is probably the best-known sport that uses sports wheelchairs. There is an official game, which breaks down from the Bundesliga to the lower leagues at the federal state level. The event is organised by the German Wheelchair Sports Association (DRS). This team sport will also be represented at the Paralympic Games alongside wheelchair curling and wheelchair rugby. These manoeuvrable wheelchairs can also be used for activities such as tennis, fencing, badminton and dancing.
What is the difference between a sports wheelchair and a wheelchair for active use?
Sports wheelchairs have special features such as a low weight and a pronounced wheel camber, which means the drive wheels are set at an angle. This design makes the wheelchair manoeuvrable and turnable while also preventing tipping over sideways. Sports wheelchairs are also equipped with metal reinforcements, frame guards or bars to minimise the risk of injury in contact sports such as basketball or rugby. For contactless sports such as tennis or badminton, the frame guards are not necessary. The seating surface is usually narrower than for an active wheelchair, so the user can sit securely with the knees positioned higher than the buttocks. As a result, sports wheelchairs feature a very sturdy, rigid frame. Compared to folding models, they offer handling characteristics that are especially well suited for sports. Custom-made devices are often used in high-performance sports.
In addition to special sports wheelchairs, Ottobock also offers manual wheelchairs for active use of any type and version. The task of a wheelchair for active use is indirectly to compensate for a disability, as defined in the German Social Security Code. It is intended to help people with reduced mobility cope with their everyday lives, but is not designed for sports activities. The wheelchairs for active use are available with both a folding and a rigid frame. The following Ottobock product ranges are suitable for daily use and rehabilitation: Start, Motus, Zenit and Avantgarde lines, as well as the Ventus.
What sports wheelchairs does Ottobock offer and how do they differ from each other?
Ottobock offers the right wheelchair for many sports and individual requirements. We have been developing sports wheelchairs for several decades together with high-level athletes and are a partner to the Paralympic Games. Ottobock opened a customer experience centre and a factory in Bad Oeynhausen in 2021. You'll find a large showroom with individual consultants here. Some information on the current models in Ottobock's Sportsline is listed below:
Frequently asked questions about sports wheelchairs
Ottobock sports wheelchairs
The products shown represent fitting examples and a selection of Ottobock products. Many different factors determine whether a product is actually suitable for you and whether you are capable of taking full advantage of the functionality of the product. Key aspects include your physical condition, fitness and a detailed medical examination. Ask your medical supply dealer to explain the treatment, contraindications and potential risks to you in detail. Please read the product information and instructions for use.
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