Prosthetic gait training - Stability before mobility | Ottobock

Summary

This video focuses on prosthetic gait training, emphasizing the importance of stability before mobility. It showcases exercises suitable for prosthetic knee joints, particularly weight transfer and stability improvement through standing exercises. Franziska and Gerhard demonstrate techniques to help individuals shift weight to the prosthetic side while maintaining an upright posture. The video suggests gradually reducing parallel bar support and increasing difficulty with balance pads, dynamic arm movements, and coordination exercises using a ball to enhance balance and response time. The overall goal is to improve stability, coordination, and mobility for prosthetic users.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stability before mobility is the core principle in prosthetic gait training.
• 😀 Alternating loading and unloading of the prosthesis is essential for walking practice.
• 😀 Exercises should start with basic weight transfer to improve stability.
• 😀 The trunk and pelvis must move together as a single unit to maintain proper posture.
• 😀 Reducing the support of parallel bars over time encourages greater balance and stability.
• 😀 To increase difficulty, exercises can be repeated on a balance pad or similar surface.
• 😀 Dynamic arm movements add an extra challenge to balance and stance stability.
• 😀 Using a ball in exercises enhances balance, coordination, and reaction time.
• 😀 The exercises are designed to progressively increase the user's ability to balance and stabilize on the prosthesis.
• 😀 Always consider the individual's physical condition and adjust exercises accordingly.

Q & A

What is the main focus of prosthetic gait training?

The main focus of prosthetic gait training is stability before mobility. This approach emphasizes building a solid foundation for proper weight transfer and balance before moving on to more complex mobility exercises.

Why is it important to consider the user's physical condition in prosthetic gait training?

It is crucial to consider the user's physical condition because it influences their ability to perform the exercises. Adapting the training to their specific needs ensures safety and effectiveness in the rehabilitation process.

What type of prosthetic knee joints are the exercises in the video suitable for?

The exercises in the video are suitable for prosthetic knee joints, although the specific type of knee joint is not mentioned. However, the focus is on exercises that improve stability and weight transfer, which are generally beneficial for a variety of prosthetic knees.

What is the purpose of alternating loading and unloading of the prosthesis during training?

The purpose of alternating loading and unloading of the prosthesis is to practice the essential movement for walking, helping users build strength and stability in the prosthetic limb, and to improve their ability to manage weight shifts while standing.

How should the trunk and pelvis move during the exercises?

The trunk should stay in an upright position, and it should move together with the pelvis as a single unit. This coordinated movement ensures proper alignment and stability during the training exercises.

What can Gerhard practice during the exercise for weight transfer?

Gerhard can practice shifting his weight to the prosthetic side and feeling when he is stable on the prosthesis. This helps in assessing and improving his balance and stability while using the prosthesis.

What role do the parallel bars play in the training?

The parallel bars serve as a support system during the exercises, helping users maintain balance and stability as they practice weight transfer and stability. The support of the parallel bars should be gradually reduced to increase difficulty.

How can the difficulty of the exercises be increased?

The difficulty of the exercises can be increased by performing them on a balance pad or similar surface, which challenges the user's balance and stability further.

What impact do dynamic arm movements have on the training?

Dynamic arm movements increase the necessity for balance and stance stability, requiring the user to engage their core and improve coordination while performing the exercises.

How does using a ball in the exercises enhance the training?

Using a ball in the exercises further increases the requirements for balance and coordination. It adds an element of dynamic movement, requiring the user to react quickly and maintain stability while balancing.