Unilateral Above-the-Knee Amputee - Descending Stairs, Advanced

Descending stairs "step over step" is a highly advanced activity and should be attempted only with supervision and protection at first.

Instructions:

1. Approach top step with prosthetic foot halfway protruding over the step.
2. Bring "good" leg forward ahead of step while flexing knee on prosthesis.
3. "Sound" leg must be ready and able to catch body weight on next lower step.
4. After weight is transferred to "sound" leg, lead with prosthesis to next step while flexing "sound" leg. Prosthesis must hit next step with toe protruding over step.
5. After weight is transferred to prosthesis, repeat step 3, and so on.

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