The very latest product to incorporate Bionic Technology by Ossur, the PROPRIO FOOT® is available on a limited launch in 2006. In recent beta trials, this is what two users of the product had to say about this exciting development:
Klaus Polzer (39) is a key account manager for an international communications giant. Based in Hockenheim, Germany – famous for its Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit – Klaus has a busy career, driving more than 80,000km each year, visiting customers and making presentations. As part of the PROPRIO FOOT trials, he has been using the foot for over two months.
“I travel from office to office, so the ability to change from formal shoes with a heel, to trainers and other footwear, is perfect for me. I just press a couple of buttons. The alignment is not affected, so there is no need to adjust any screws or anything.
“Going uphill is very easy now and the PROPRIO FOOT also makes it easier to cope with stairs. I don’t feel as tired as I used to and even my friends have commented on how much better I am walking these days – my gait is more synchronized and there is a better symmetry to it.”
Stefano Carosi from Italy (pictured above) is another PROPRIO FOOT trial user. Now 43 years old, Stefano lost his left foot 10 years ago in a motorbike accident. These days he is pretty active – swimming, biking and walking, and working as a credit analyst in a bank. Currently living in Germany, Stefano echoes some of Klaus’ comments.
“When you walk up- or downhill it’s fantastic, very convenient. Before, the foot I had could not adapt as well and I was compensating more with my back. One of the biggest benefits is on stairs – it’s easier to walk up and down, it feels safer and easier, and I can concentrate on other things.
“You can also get the right inclination for any shoes – ordinary shoes or sports shoes – it makes a real difference and I find I can walk a bit further and walk properly.”