Article

Limited information is available concerning stair descent training for transfemoral amputees using prosthetic knees.
Literature describing stair descent training techniques are predominantly available for the step-to-step stair descent method.
A thoroughly descriptive technique for training prosthetic knee users to reciprocally descend stairs, using a
step-over-step pattern is not available. The purpose of this technical note is to describe a procedure for training
stance-yielding prosthetic knee users how to descend stairs using a reciprocal, step-over-step pattern. The technique
describes stair setup, safety considerations including hand railing, use of a gait belt, guarding techniques and a one versus
two therapist technique. Nineteen subjects were initially trained in this technique, and all subjects demonstrated the
ability to reciprocally descend stairs after training. Reciprocal step-over-step stair descent is not appropriate for all
transfemoral amputees ; however, we recommend considering the supervised, therapeutic application of this technique for
all transfemoral amputees using stance yielding prosthetic knees.
We suggest that practicing this technique might
improve a prosthetic knee user's overall functional performance such as their ability to utilize stumble recovery during
a missed step, to transition more symmetrically from stand to sit and to utilize knee flexion during the loading response of gait.

Langue : ANGLAIS