Amputees can finally enjoy the simple pleasures of the pool and beach thanks to this innovative new prosthetic that has been designed for use in the water.

Researchers from Northwell Health have developed "The FIN" prosthetic so that the wearer can use it in and out of water without having to switch between prosthetics.

"Adults with a limb amputation are less likely to participate in physical activity than the general population and have elevated risk of heart disease and stroke," Professor Ona Bloom from the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health explained to Good News Network in an email.

"Swimming is often recommended to help those individuals remain active. However, a standard, cost-effective swim prosthetic that allows an individual to transition easily from walking on land to swimming in the water does not exist—that is, until we created ‘The FIN.'"

The FIN, which is 3D-printed out of carbon fiber enhanced nylon, is lined with a series of conical holes that allow water to pass through the prosthetic, creating natural drag and propulsion with its movement.

Since the researchers began developing the FIN, ten amputee participants have tested the prosthetic and hailed its success. The results of their pilot study were recently published in the journal of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

"The main takeaway is that the FIN is easy to use; all of the participants were able to use it successfully on their first try to complete the tasks," Dr. Bloom told WS. "The time needed to exit the pool was significantly reduced, and many found the FIN more likable compared to a typical swim ankle prosthesis.

Seamus Doherty, Lieutenant Commander Detective of the New York Police Department and one of the participants who now wears the prosthetic, also told WS: "As soon as I put on the FIN and tested it out in the water, I knew they were onto something great!

"Other prosthetics are expensive, and I never wanted to wear them when swimming at the beach or pool, worried they might get damaged, or worse, even stolen if left unattended while in the water. Before the FIN, I used to hop around the beaches and pools on one foot and try to balance in the water while playing with and looking after my son. Being on one leg took away from the pure enjoyment and can also be a safety issue.

"But with the FIN, all those issues and concerns are gone. I am able to keep it on all day, in and out of the water, over the boardwalk, the beach, by the pool. I am able to enjoy all these outdoor activities with my family without worry," added Doherty. "All the great moments with our son, riding waves, wave jumping, and swimming, thanks to the FIN, are pure, stress-free enjoyment for all of us together."

The FIN is currently approved for use by the FDA. Amputees who may be interested in acquiring their own custom-made FIN are encouraged to contact Northwell Health by visiting the FIN website.

The institute says that their team does not charge patients directly and they are committed to making the life-changing prosthetic available to anyone by working with each individual and their health care providers to make it affordable.

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