Running with a Prosthetic Limb - Prosthetic Training: Episode 17

Instructional video for above and below knee amputees to learn how to run. David presents a variety of different running styles for various situations and offers key tips to get you started.

**We highly recommend supervision and guidance from a local clinician as running with a prosthetic device involves risk for falls and injury.**

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This is the seventeenth and final episode of our Prosthetic Training video series which covers the spectrum of amputee rehabilitation from immediately post-amputation through running with a prosthesis. They are intended for clinicians and patients and are a great resource for rehabilitation professionals working with lower limb amputees.

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If you have questions relating to this topic or notice other questions similar to yours, check out our You Asked Series, where we answer patient questions in short digestible videos.

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Instructor: David Lawrence, MSPT, AT-Ret
David is an internationally renowned rehabilitation professional and educator. In addition to treating patients, he delivers courses in the USA and abroad on knee, hip and foot pathologies, rehabilitation following limb amputation, and disabled sports and recreation. He is founder of The Gait Center, a walking focused physical therapy clinic located in Richmond, VA, USA, as well as the founder and Chief Executive Officer for Mission Gait.

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Social Media:

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Video production by Will Riddick, PT, DPT for Mission Gait.

[carlelliott]

I'm a Prosthetist with over 30 experience and have to admit that I've always approached teaching running for above knee amputees with some trepidation. This video has taught me more in a half hour than in my previous 30 years. Informative, concise and inependant of component supplier. An excellent guide which I'm sure to share with fellow clinicians and patients. Thank you!

[sogoodm]

i am so happy i found this video. i just got a running blade donated to me and have been figuring it out on my own. no therapists, no fancy gyms just me and my street. this video has certainly helped!!!

thank you!!

[raaska]

This is so much inspiring to me while using crutches.

[ElectiveAmputation]

Thank you for this! I tried to run yesterday without instruction. It’s didn’t go well. I’m going to try this each day this week. I’ll share it on my channel for other amputees!

[michellesmith]

Wow! Im a bk and would love to learn to run like that! Well done!!!

[kangarooad]

I wish I was closer to you. This way I ll try teaching myself running folowing your instructions. Great leason!

[chozen_]

All I did was run before my car accident and just recently got an X3 .. I am beyond excited to get going again. I naturally just do the hop skip run but that is annoying and no where near the potential of what I have to offer. I can see some AK who run pretty smoothly and I know I can get there but re-training is frustrating, especially with no one on one help or area to really practice. I know I’ll get there as I’m extremely motivated to do this and I need that freedom of running back in my life. Thanks for this, I’ll keep working at it 💪🦿

[YllaStar]

That practice floor surface, would give me alot of confidence, to learn something new, as l would feel, if l fell, it would be less damaging than a hard surface.
Interestingly, each of the rehabilitation units l have visited, for a fit, or a lesson, are too small in length to walk, this is as damaging as walking on the wrong foot.
That outcome can never be the best, the individual could achieve.
Going into rooms such as those, with that knowledge, empowers you, to ask more, and more questions, which may assist to a better mutual understanding, of what is really required.
(That crossover shoe is also a critical choice).

[kevinbaker]

I hope to have my prosthetic in a few months, a month out from surgery for me.

[mattmatti]

It's so interesting paying close attention to the motions of a foot. Smart prosthetics would make a big difference. I assume it becomes easier like riding a bike ?

[delve]

Might be a stupid question but, what if there was a track above the patient and they were following it with their hand on a lead as they become more accustomed to the musculature necessary for running as well as give them freedom to take more chances as an education on what they can or should do without the lead in their hands? My theory is they will rely on the safety of the lead less and less as the become more motion confident, which help me in Breaking the Barrier of walking... less and less Reliance on assistance as the confidence developed.

[JimiLee]

I have been a amputee for 4 years and I'm just now in the beginning phases of learning to run wish I could've seen this video a long time ago

[petemaloney]

I used to run on crutches using the hop skip method

[straygoose]

What type of BK device is on his leg can I see how far it goes up and does he have a motor or whatever in the knee or ankle.

[CA-isgm]

How do you get your balance when your toes are removed on the right and you have a bka on left

[chozen_]

Think once I learn to trust the knee is there I’ll be good to go but not having the feeling there is still strange I guess

[opvideo]

What have you found to be the best suspension method for amputees to run in? I saw the second patient had a sleeve suspension and he seemed to be running pretty well. I am interested in like after 10 miles or longer distance how different suspension methods hold up. I was looking at the lady who ran the marathon des Sables and looked like she was running a pin suspension which according to textbooks can create more up and down movement in the socket. Just was hoping you would share your thoughts since you have a lot of experience. Also appreciate that running is an invaluable skill for amputees

[subhashkssubhash]

Which knee joint is good for short stump above knee

[juliusbunao]

Sir how can i acquire that kind of bka prosthesis? i used to walk with my prosthetic leg for more than 20 years but never run since my accident.

[terryoneill]

im 70 years old one leg one lung is there hope for me ?