Until now, plate spring sports prostheses were designed for top athletes wanting to break records and compete for positions in competitions.

General prostheses designed for daily use like walking cannot be used for running. Also, plate spring prostheses for sports were expensive and difficult to maintain and adjust. As a result, lower limb amputees generally had no choice but to give up sports that involved running.

The Adachi City General Sports Center (Tokyo,Japan) is managed and operated by Mizuno and has a facility called the Special Cruyff Court where people of all physical abilities can enjoy sports.

Special Cruyff Courts are barrier-free, multi-purpose sports facilities that have been established in various countries by the Johan Cruyff Foundation^*1, which was founded by former Dutch professional football player Johan Cruyff. The Adachi City^*2 General Sports Center is the location of the first Special Cruyff Court in Asia.

Edogawa City (Tokyo/Japan) is aiming to increase the rate at which people with disabilities engage in sports. Following the model set by the Netherlands, a global para-sports powerhouse, the City has launched the Netherlands Club project and is running classes and other initiatives to enable people with disabilities to engage in regular exercise.

We are working with Imasen Engineering Corporation (Gifu, Japan), a welfare equipment manufacturer, to develop a plate spring for sports prostheses. Plate springs for sports prostheses need to be fitted in various ways depending on the type and degree of disability and performance of the athlete who wears them.