Table 1.

Level 1 device-specific physical therapy protocol.

Protocol		Description	Criteria for advancement to level 2
Level 1 (sessions 1 and 2)
	Evaluation	Assessment of prosthesis fit and gait to determine deficits	N/Aa
	Strengthening	Strengthening of transversus abdominis and multifidus, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and general trunk strengthening	Able to perform HEPb independently
	Stretching	Address deficits from evaluation, including iliopsoas	Within normal limits for range of motion
	Education	Explanation of function of powered ankle-foot device	Verbalizes understanding of function of powered ankle-foot device
	Gait training	Safely negotiate level surface without increased falls or stumbles	Able to ambulate 46 meters without an assistive device independently on a flat, level surface; self-reported occurrence of stumbles or falls is no greater than baseline
	Mobility training	Side stepping, backward stepping, and turns	Able to ambulate outdoors without increased falls or stumbles with or without an assistive device
	Neuromuscular reeducation	Weight shifting and control over prosthesis, intact limb mobility (toes in and toes out, heel in and heel out) to promote weight shifting, static single limb balance training on prosthesis side with upper limb support, and anterior and posterior stepping exercises with the intact limb	Independent in HEP
	HEP	Initiated with all therapeutic exercises outlined in level 1	Independent in HEP

^aN/A: not applicable.

^bHEP: home exercise program.