Ottobock E-MAG Active Schnellstart Seite 10

E-MAG Active Patient Information
Your orthotist fitted you with a complete leg orthosis.
The E-MAG Active knee joint system is a special feature of your orthosis.
This joint promotes a natural gait pattern and offers you a high degree of
safety in the stance phase. The use of the orthosis depends on whether
you were previously fitted with a knee joint that included a so-called Swiss
lock or a free-motion knee joint with posterior positioning, or if you have
not had a prior fitting at all. In any case, ask your orthotist or therapist to
instruct you regarding the correct use of the orthosis.
The purpose of this Quick Start Guide is to provide a brief explanation of
key points you need to consider when using the E-MAG Active as well as its
features. An electronic control unit incorporated into the E-MAG Active
measures your leg position on the fitted side as you walk. When you are in
the stance phase – which is the phase from heel impact to toe-off – the
joint remains locked. Only after the toes leave the ground does the joint
open automatically, allowing you to swing the leg forward freely. Shortly
before the heel strikes the ground again, the joint is once again locked
when the extension position is reached.
results in a more physiological gait pattern and helps you save energy
while walking. In order to use the orthosis safely, it is essential to
recognise the limits of the joint technology. It depends on proper control
for trouble-free functionality.
The E-MAG Active therefore
What do you need consider while walking?
The most important moment during the gait cycle is the point of toe-off,
which is when the joint is unlocked so the leg can swing forward freely.
The joint is designed so that the knee is securely locked during the stance
phase. However, this design also requires the load to be taken off the lock
(extension) before initiating the swing-through phase. If the load is not
taken off the joint, it cannot unlock and remains engaged. In this case the
leg cannot swing forward!
orthotist may have selected an ankle joint, or angle between the lower leg
and foot, that enables you to reach the so-called joint extension position.
How to practice using the orthosis
Practice using your orthosis at your orthotist's or therapist's facility. In
most cases parallel bars are available, allowing you to walk freely while
supporting yourself with both hands at any time. Treadmills are also
highly suitable, as the repetitive nature of this type of training is very
effective. Once you can control the rhythm required for movement
yourself, you can continue training with the aid of a crutch.
However, please keep in mind that this rhythm itself requires practice and
cannot be executed perfectly from the first step. You will require several
training sessions before you can easily release the lock.
To facilitate the use of the orthosis your