Getting Up Off of the Floor: Floor to Stand Transfer for Unilateral Amputees-Prosthetic Training:Ep8

Key wellness / safety strategies (floor-to-stand with a unilateral prosthesis)

Prioritize safe access to the floor

• If you need to practice transferring from the floor, get down safely first.
• Example method:
  • Scoot forward on a mat
  • Tuck the prosthetic under
  • Lean forward to kneel on the prosthetic

Use the prosthetic safely once kneeling

• Kneeling on the prosthetic socket/foot can be practiced, because pressure in the socket should be comparable to standing.
• Build up gradually to more challenging positions.

Don’t rush after a fall

• Use the rule: “don’t rush to get up.”
• Take time to stabilize before standing.

Check prosthetic alignment before attempting to stand

1. Sit up first.
2. Verify:
   • The prosthetic foot is facing upward (toward the ceiling).
   • The prosthesis is donned correctly and not broken/shifted.
3. If the prosthetic is not correctly on:
   • Re-donn before standing.
4. If the prosthetic is broken:
   • Seek help (possibly a wheelchair, since there may be “nothing to stand on”).

Use a “power position” sequence to stand

From the floor:

1. Cross the prosthetic over the other leg first, then roll to hands and knees.
   • This avoids a common mistake: if you don’t cross first, feet may end up crossed behind you, making standing harder.
2. When available, crawl toward a stable surface (e.g., a mat or support).
3. Move into kneeling on both knees.
4. Bring the prosthetic leg forward into a foot position.
5. Lean forward and press the knee fully straight under you to rise.

After standing: regain composure and seat if needed

• Once up, turn and sit if there’s a place to sit.
• This gives time for stabilization (e.g., “heart still beating… collect thoughts”) before moving on.

When no surface is available: use a safe human assist

If you must rise from the middle of the floor with no grab point:

• Ask the helper to be stationary and not pull on you.
• The helper should stay close and supportive, but avoid yanking/grabbing.
• The person who fell should direct the helper (e.g., “be statuesque,” “don’t move”).

Key physical contact guidance

• The helper does not let go early—hold until the person feels steady.
• The person controls the lift and releases contact when stable.
• Helper stance should remain strong: feet apart, knees bent, arms ready to support without pulling.

Stability first

• The overall approach emphasizes:
  • Hands and knees as a control/power position
  • Then a deliberate shift to bring the leg under the body and press up to stand.

Presenters / sources

• David Lawrence (presenter)
• MissionGait (YouTube channel/series source)