2 Years With The Genium X4
At OTWorld - International Trade Show & World Congress 2024, the Genium X4 from Ottobock entered the spotlight. My own “first test” happened months earlier - during a campaign shoot in the Austrian Alps. Winter terrain has a way of exposing what works fast.
Since May 14th, 2024, I’ve used the X4 every day. And after two years, my main takeaway is simple: the most important output of good prosthetic tech is not hype. It’s confidence and energy saved over real and often long days.
For me, that has translated into bigger adventures again: Mountain hiking with long climbs and descents, stand-up paddling and goofing around in, at, and under water, canoeing/kayaking for days on end topped with wild camping out in the wild, and even a canyoning route that began with a 65m abseil and kept going for six hours.
I wrote a one-page anniversary reflection with practical value for amputees, therapists, O&P professionals, and companies: what’s genuinely helpful, what I’ve learned, and where the boundaries still are. And you can read it tomorrow here on my blog.
For today, that leaves me with congratulating Otttobock. "Happy anniversary, Genium X4."
Post by Bjoern Eser. Bjoern is the founder of and shaker and maker behind The Active Amputee.
Further Reading
Aurélie, the wheelchair using globetrotter
"For the first time, in April 2015, I travelled far away from France. For years, I wanted to discover other cultures. So when I finished my studies I didn't hesitate and bought a flight ticket to Japan. Three amazing weeks! During these vacations in the country of the rising sun I caught the travel bug and I realised this passion was about to become a central part of my life." That's how Aurélie's amazing story started back in 2015. Read more
The Enock Glidden Special
To kick this new series off, I am extremely happy to partner with one of the most inspirational people I have ever heard about. The always amazing Enock Glidden. Today, Enock will share his story with you. Tomorrow we will show a video about one of his most amazing feats. On Thursday it’s back to Enock and his reflections about team work and assistance before he talks more in general about the preparation it takes to take on big adventures on Friday.
But enough talk from me. Let me hand over to Enock. Read more
Healing power of nature
The days are getting longer, the summer is approaching quickly, and with it there are more and more opportunities to explore Mother Nature all around us and be outdoors and active. After weeks, months, years of Covid19-induced lockdowns and the long winter months, this is a welcome change for many of us. Good for the body, a treat for the soul. And - as we learn from Tiina today - people in Finland have a special word for this special bonding between people and the surrounding nature. Read more