Otto Bock Genium X3 Setup Manual page 25

Stairs and Obstacles Function
This function enables step over step stair ascent and allows users to
cross obstacles in a more anatomically correct way. Sufficient residual
limb hip extensor force and training are required.
* Note: forward movement of a blocked knee on stairs causes the knee to stay locked,
unlike forward movement of the knee during Intuitive Stance Function.
Stairs and Obstacles Function User Exercises
1 O bstacles Function can be used to step over obstacles in a secure fashion. Users can initiate Obstacles Function by per-
forming the same movement pattern used for initiating Stairs Function; the same initiation and exit criteria apply. Train
users in obstacle mode on level surfaces before moving to the stairs. Have the user step over the obstacle with
the sound side first then have the user repeat the exercise by stepping over the obstacle with the prosthetic side first.
2 Have the user begin stairs training at the bottom of a staircase. Some people will find it is easier to step up with the sound
limb first and follow with the prosthesis.
3 Keep the prosthesis slightly behind the sound foot when initiating this function. This reduces shear against the ground
and makes hip extension easier.
4 E nsure the sound foot is close to the bottom of the first stair during stairs up initiation. This will shorten the prosthetic
step length, improve prosthetic foot placement, and decrease the hip extensor force needed to bring the prosthetic knee
into full extension.
5 Keep as much of the prosthetic foot on the stair as possible when going up. This maximizes stability for the user.
6 H ave the user lean slightly forward during stair ascent. This keeps the user's center of mass further ahead of the knee
and consequently requires less hip extensor activity. If the users lean too far forward, they will shorten their hip flexors
for the next step.
7 G reater toe clearance is generated by more intensive hip flexion activity following hip extension. Hip extension initiates
opening of the flexion valve and doesn't have to be forceful.
Initiation Criteria (Free Swing)
1 The prosthesis must be loaded and in
full extension.
2 S wift hip extension must be followed by
hip flexion, generating knee flexion and
permitting proper foot placement on the
stair.
Flexion is blocked upon axial loading.
3
4 Once flexion is blocked, the knee will
freely move into controlled extension. As
the user uses their gluteal muscles to
extend the knee, they will ascend using
active muscle contraction.
Exit Criteria
1 Removing weight from the prosthesis:
Genium X3 unlocks and evenly reduces
to the stance flexion resistance.
2 Shank tilting backward: Genium X3
opens the flexion valve and evenly
reduces to the stance flexion resis-
tance.
3 S hank tilting forward: Genium X3 keeps
the fleixon valve blocked to allow the
user to ride the locked knee forward,
providing safety.
4 On stairs, a progressive blocking on
the flexion valve engages as the knee
moves freely into extension as long as
the knee remains weighted.
Genium X3 Set-up Guide | Ottobock 25