Principles
Mobility classes
The prosthesis wearer's mobility class is important for choosing the right modular prosthesis parts for him. The mobility class depends on body weight, age, activity and other attributes.
Mobility class 1 - Indoor walker
Definition: the patient has the ability or the potential to use a prosthesis for transfer purposes or for locomotion on even ground with a low walking speed. The walking time and walking distance are strictly limited by his condition.
Therapeutic objective: restoration of his ability to stand, mobility limited to indoors.
Mobility class 2 - Limited outdoor walker
Definition: the patient has the ability and the potential to walk around at low walking speeds with a prosthesis, and can overcome low obstacles such as kerbs, individual steps or uneven ground. The walking time and walking distance are limited by his condition.
Therapeutic objective: restoration of his ability to stand, and limited mobility in- and outdoors.
Mobility class 3 - Unlimited outdoor walker
Definition: the patient has the ability or the potential to walk with a prosthesis at moderate to high speeds - also changing speed - and to overcome most obstacles. He also has the ability to walk across open ground and can pursue occupational, therapeutic and other activities that do not expose the prosthesis to above-average mechanical stresses. Some patients have a higher need for safety due to secondary conditions in connection with moderate to high demands on mobility. The walking time and walking distance are only slightly limited in comparison with individuals without a disability.
Therapeutic objective: restoration of the patient’s ability to stand as well as unlimited mobility indoors and slightly limited mobility outdoors
Mobility class 4 - Unlimited outdoor walker with particularly high demands
Definition: the patient has the ability or the potential to walk around with a prosthesis like the unlimited outdoor walker. In addition, high impact stresses, tension and deformation may occur due to the high functional requirements. Walking time and walking distance are unlimited.
Therapeutic objective: restoration of the patient’s ability to stand as well as unlimited ability to walk and move around in- and outdoors.