Strolling Through the Prairie

Posted by: Nate
Posted: Tue, September 29 2009 at 7:30am

I’ve had numerous occasions this summer to walk through areas of tall grass prairie.  They are often choked with dense grass growth and thus can be a challenge for anyone to walk in, much less, an amputee.  I’ve enjoyed these opportunities to walk the prairie because I love the open space, I am constantly amazed by the diversity and richness of native prairies, and because I don’t have to fear a stumble even in dense grass. 
If I wore a conventional mechanical knee I would be limited to “watching from the sidelines” as others traipsed through the prairie meadows without me.  I think this is often a position that amputees are placed in because of fear or mechanical limitations.  Thankfully sitting back and watching is no longer required. 

The computer in the C-Leg does something that will help you walk through these situations.  A key safety feature comes into play here; the computer will not release into swing phase (no resistance) unless certain weight and position criteria are met.  When the knee is bent those criteria are not met and thus the knee maintains resistance, allowing you to walk even when obstacles are grabbing at your leg.  Knowing that the knee will not release into free swing allows you the freedom to walk knowing that the knee won’t buckle, even when it’s being pulled on by the grass you’re walking through.  The bent-knee resistance also comes into play in these ventures into often uneven terrain when a stumble occurs.  When you stumble, the resistance offered by the knee catches you safely, arresting your forward movement even when bent; this is referred to as ‘stumble recovery’.  By pushing into that resistance you have a solid base from which to instantly change the direction of your momentum.  This stumble recovery during a stumble is invaluable.  Often during a stumble you are able to avoid greater damage (or embarrassment) by changing your direction and moving quickly in a new one. 

This incredible capability is necessary for me as a prairie biologist and in my free time, as a hunter.  One of my favorite activities is pursuing upland birds like pheasants and quail, as well as waterfowl, both ducks and geese.  In the settings I often encounter in the field, stumble recovery is repeatedly relied upon as various bunches of grasses, small trees, and other vegetation are grabbing at my feet. 

When I look at the picture as a whole I see just how important my C-Leg is to my job, my hobbies, and my general well-being.  Having walked on other prosthetic knees I will say that I am fortunate to have the knee that I have now.  This knee gets me where I want to go and allows me to work or play as I choose once I’ve arrived.  I hope that you have the opportunity to walk on a C-Leg too and enjoy that same good fortune.
Until next time.

Otto Bock HealthCare pays Nate a small fee for his essays.