Overcoming Obstacles - Otto Bock Genium X3 3B5-3 Instructions For Use Manual

8.1.8 Overcoming obstacles

INFORMATION
To use this function, it needs to be enabled in the adjustment software. It also has to be activ­
ated using the Cockpit app (see page 79).
Although the knee joint is passive, which means it cannot actively initiate
movements, negotiating stairs step-over-step is possible.
This function must be practised and executed consciously.
1) Lift the extended prosthesis off the floor.
2) Immediately after lifting the extended leg off the floor, extend the hip briefly
and then abruptly flex it. This requires a sufficiently secure hold in the
socket and a certain level of residual limb strength.
→ This whip motion flexes the knee, because the knee joint automatically
recognises the movement and sets the flexion resistance to minimum.
INFORMATION: Take note of people behind you before executing
the whip motion.
3) When sufficient knee flexion has been achieved, the knee joint increases
extension resistance so that there is enough time to position the foot on the
next step before the knee joint is extended again.
4) Set the foot onto the next step.
The support area for the foot on the step must be large enough that the
heel does not extend back too far over the edge. With too little support
area, the lower leg would extend too early and position the leg too far
backwards. In this phase, the knee joint has already set the flexion resist­
ance to maximum (blocked). The knee joint can no longer be flexed but
only extended. This ensures that the leg does not buckle if the hip strength
is not sufficient for the extending motion.
5) Support yourself with your hand on the contralateral side. A smooth wall
will also work. This lateral support is intended to prevent the residual limb
from twisting in the socket. Twisting can lead to unpleasant surface ten­
sion between the skin and the socket. Lateral support also improves bal­
ance.
6) Bring the knee into extended position. When the knee joint is fully exten­
ded, the initial position has been reached.
7) You can climb the next step or continue walking normally.
The stair function can also be used to cross obstacles:
1) Lift the extended prosthesis off the floor.
2) Briefly extend the hip.
3) Quickly flex the hip. This causes the knee to flex.
4) With the knee flexed, step over the obstacle.
With sufficient knee flexion, the extension resistance is increased to allow
enough time for crossing the obstacle.
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