Comment: Advances in paralympic technology are driving attainment in Paris

Paralympians are setting new world records in Paris (28th August – 8th September) thanks to growing investment in assistive technologies, which are enhancing performances and helping people with disabilities to train more effectively for their sport.

At the last Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 more than 4,000 athletes with disabilities competed and literally hundreds of world records were broken. In 146 swimming events, 70 world records were broken, and in the cycling events, new records were set and then broken sometimes several times a day, with a total 25 official world records ultimately established at the Izu Velodrome. This time around in Paris, 4,400 Paralympians representing 170 nations are competing across a total of 22 sporting disciplines, and new world records and personal bests are being set at almost every occasion.

One of the key factors driving this surge in the level of attainment is technological innovation, much of it concentrated on prosthetics and orthotics. Among the best known of these is the running blade, otherwise known as the “Flex-Foot”, which was originally invented by Van Phillips in the 1970s. As an amputee himself, Phillips was inspired by the biomechanics of animals such as kangaroos and cheetahs, and his invention revolutionised prosthetics by choosing to mimic ligaments and tendons. The patent for the original Flex-Foot, which was granted in 1985, is a significant milestone in the evolution of prosthetics technology. 

Today, engineers involved in the development of prosthetics for athletes with disabilities are improving technologies and setting new technological standards. For example, Ottobock in Germany is developing AI-supported prostheses, including a bebionic hand, which is described as ‘lifelike’ and capable of near natural movement. The company also owns thousands of other patents targeting assistive technology for Paralympic sports.

Among the more recent innovations targeting the running blade is Nike’s pending patent application for a prosthetic blade attachment system, describing an ‘outer sole’ that can be easily attached to and removed from the prosthetic blade. Rather than being focused specifically on improving sporting performances, this innovation aims to provide enhanced functionality by protecting the blade as well as minimising the risk of accidental detachment during use.

Advancements in materials science are also promising to bring significant benefits for wearers of custom prosthetics by utilising innovative composite materials that are lightweight and flexible, whilst also providing a more durable inflexion point. A US patent recently granted to Lindhe Xtend AB describes how prosthetic blades made from advanced materials can deliver significant performance benefits by improving the strength and flexibility of the blade, whilst still being lightweight. This makes the blade more comfortable for the wearer and more durable.

The latest wheelchair technology is being showcased in Paris too, used by Paralympians in sports such as wheelchair tennis, basketball and fencing. The latest advancements demonstrate a much higher degree of customisation. For example, ‘low point’ athletes who are capable of less movement in their lower body will typically require a bucket seat and higher backrests. Many of the latest designs also feature advanced suspension systems and adjustable frames.

In their quest to support wheelchair athletes and help them to improve their sporting performances, design engineers have focused on every detail. For example, Adidas is trialling a new range of adaptive uniforms for wheelchair basketball players, which have been ergonomically designed to meet their needs. The uniforms are made from lightweight woven front panels and full mesh back panels for optimal breathability.

For visually impaired athletes, several changes have been made at this year’s events to facilitate greater inclusion in sports such as swimming and track and field events. For example, athletes with a visual impairment can use guide runners to assist them, and audible cues and information are provided during events. Smart swim caps and goggles are also being used by a growing number of visually impaired athletes in training, which is helping to boost performances further. 

The growing popularity of paralympic sport has helped to raise awareness of the need for more assistive technologies. Just as Formula One provides a testbed for technologies for next generation road cars, the Paralympic Games are providing a pipeline of innovative solutions for people with disabilities.

Intellectual property rights have an important role to play in maintaining a flow of innovation and investment into this vital field of R&D. Innovators should aim to protect their technologies at an early stage to mitigate the risk of early disclosure and prevent rivals from getting their products to market first. In a sector where customisation is a key trend, patent applications should be drafted in broad terms, to try and cover as many configurations as possible.

The Paralympic Games are helping to shine a light on the need for more assistive technologies that will allow people to live their lives to the full regardless of the nature or severity of their disability. Every time a world record is broken by a Paralympian, it’s another step towards a better and more inclusive world.

Bethan Halliwell, partner, and Sheri Jeyakumar, associate, are both patent attorneys specialising in medical devices and assistive technologies at European intellectual property firm, Withers & Rogers