Getting Up Off of the Floor: Floor to Stand Transfer for Bilateral Amputees- Prosthetic Training:Ep9

Summary

In this instructional video, David Lawrence demonstrates safe techniques for individuals with bilateral prosthetic limbs to get down to and up from the floor. He covers initial steps, transitioning to a hands and knees position, and leveraging furniture for support during the process. The video emphasizes the importance of taking time, checking prosthetics for alignment, and using proper body mechanics to avoid injury. It also addresses the challenges faced when falling in public and the need for self-assistance over hasty help from others.

Takeaways

• 🧍‍♂️ Practice getting down to the floor safely first to ensure you can also get up safely.
• 🛋️ Start practicing on a low surface like a sofa or mat table to simulate a safe environment.
• 🔄 Bring the close leg back and roll the hips to slide off the sofa into a kneeling position.
• 🐛 Crawling on prosthetics is possible and can be a method to move if getting up is difficult.
• 🛑 After falling, take a moment to assess your condition and ask bystanders for space to get up independently.
• 👀 Check prosthetic feet orientation before attempting to stand to ensure they are properly positioned.
• 🦶 Reset prosthetic limbs if necessary before attempting to get up to avoid further injury.
• 💪 Get to a position of power by being on all fours to prepare for standing up.
• 🛋️ Use a higher surface like a sofa to help with the process of standing up by leveraging it for support.
• 🚶‍♂️ For higher-level patients, straighten one prosthetic to create a stable base and shift weight to stand.
• 🤝 Direct traffic when people want to help, instructing them not to pull but to provide stable support.
• 👥 Remind patients to communicate their needs to bystanders and not to rush the process of getting up.
• 🔄 For below-knee amputees, the process of getting down and up involves similar steps but with attention to the integrity of the prosthetic suspension.
• 🚑 In case of a fall with no surface to hold onto, the process is more strenuous and requires more energy and effort.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of David Lawrence's video?

The video focuses on demonstrating and explaining how individuals with bilateral prosthetic limbs can safely get down to and up from the floor.

Why is it important for bilateral amputees to learn how to get down to the floor safely?

It is important for bilateral amputees to learn this skill so they can perform tasks on the floor safely at home and also know how to get up from the floor if needed.

What is the recommended starting position for practicing getting down to the floor with prosthetic limbs?

The recommended starting position is on a low surface like a sofa or a mat table, with the patient facing the direction they will roll back towards.

How does the process of getting down to the floor begin for a bilateral amputee?

The process begins by bringing the close leg back, rolling the hips onto the sofa, and sliding backwards into a position on the knees.

What is the term used to describe the position where the patient is on their hands and knees?

This position is referred to as the 'position of power'.

Why is it suggested to not rush to get up after falling flat on the back?

It is advised not to rush to get up to allow the heart rate to stabilize and to assess the situation, ensuring that the prosthetic limbs are correctly positioned before attempting to stand.

What should a bilateral amputee check after falling and before attempting to stand up?

They should check the orientation of their prosthetic feet to ensure they are facing the ceiling, which indicates that the prosthetics are properly positioned.

How can a bilateral amputee with weak strength get up from the floor without using their arms?

They can get up by angling towards a surface like a sofa, getting their hips up on it slightly, and then rolling and pressing up into a seated position.

What is the benefit of being able to crawl on prosthetics for a bilateral amputee?

The ability to crawl on prosthetics is beneficial as it allows the patient to move towards a higher surface, which can provide more leverage for getting up.

What advice is given to people who want to help a bilateral amputee who has fallen?

The advice is to let the amputee direct the assistance, not to yank or pull on them, and to stand nearby ready to offer stable support as needed.

What is the main concern when a bilateral below-the-knee amputee kneels on prosthetics with a sleeve suspension?

The main concern is that the front wall of the prosthetic may press into the rubber, potentially cutting a hole and causing loss of vacuum control.

How can a bilateral amputee ensure they have a stable base when standing up from the floor?

They can ensure a stable base by straightening out one prosthetic leg completely, shifting their weight towards it, and then locking out the other prosthetic leg.

What is the purpose of the video series on prosthetic interventions mentioned by David Lawrence?

The purpose of the video series is to provide a range of information and techniques on managing the residual limb after amputation and using a prosthesis for various activities, including running.