Allows for continued training of the amputee following completion of P.T.Training is catered to patient’s abilities. Patient receives support and encouragement from other amputees of varying ability levels Patients are welcome to receive training for as long as deemed necessary:
Amputee Walking School Objectives:
1. To select appropriate stretches and strengthening exercises to assist the amputee in achieving increased flexibility, strength and function to achieve the best performance from his or her prosthetic device.
2. To demonstrate and teach fitness modifications and the appropriate running gait for above- and below-knee amputees.
3. To understand the working dynamics of the prosthesis and how to employ the muscles of the residual limb to move more efficiently.
4. To provide a foundation for improved health and fitness for individuals with disabilities including working with the rehabilitation team, diet, exercise techniques, hygiene and O&P technology.
5. To recruit more disabled athletes for competitive sports.
6. To educate disabled individuals and healthcare professionals about various disabled sports and recreational opportunities.
Amputee Walking School Goals:After the clinic the physical therapist will be able to
1. Initiate an exercise program for lower extremity amputees.
2. Teach advanced stretching and strengthening exercises for lower extremity amputees.
3. Assist prosthetic patients in meeting their strength, flexibility and fitness goals.
4. Help amputees improve their walking and running gaits through better understanding of the prosthetic device and contributing muscles.
5. Refer patients to disabled sports resources for additional outlets for sports and recreation.
Amputee Walking School Description
The amputee walking school will introduce exercises and stretches for lower limb amputees of all ages and various levels of amputation. Treatment approaches for improved function and return to an active lifestyle will be presented. This will also include instruction on advanced exercises and running techniques for above- and below-knee amputees.
Although amputee walking school participants may not initially be interested in competition, amputee and orthopedically impaired individuals desire to learn to achieve the best performance from their orthotic or prosthetic devices. Understanding the dynamics of how the artificial devices work, and how to use their muscles properly to control these devices will enable individuals with disabilities to run, move from side-to-side, bend down, jump, climb stairs and walk with confidence. With increased strength and flexibility, participants will be able to operate more efficiently, expend less energy and, thus, do more each day without fatigue.
The amputee walking school applies “hands-on” participation techniques. The amputees go through the full-range of stretching and strengthening exercises, assisted by a trained professional and/or their spouse/family member. Those amputees who are more advanced are taught how to run, while others have the opportunity to review the basic exercises, are shown advanced options to work towards and then coached on ways to improve their walking gait.
Relevance of Program Content:
To the Profession or Practice of Physical Therapy
Professionals in the field of rehabilitative therapy and sports, who interact with disabled individuals at the early stage of rehabilitation, need training on exercise and physical activity prescriptions for those with permanent disabilities. In education programs, therapists receive little training on the biomechanics of prosthetic devices and how to teach the amputee how to run, jump, bend and maneuver with the device. By providing such training, the therapist can introduce these principles to the disabled patient early in the rehabilitation process and thus orient him/her toward an active, productive lifestyle.
The amputee walking school will greatly enhance the basic training physical therapists receive in school. The high level training and advanced exercises are appropriate for use with patients of all ages to improve ambulating.
