A lower extremity amputation refers to the removal of the leg, foot or toes from the body, according to MedLine Plus. Leg amputations are generally considered trans-femoral, or above the knee, and trans-tibial, or below the knee. Lower extremity amputations occur either by surgery due to a medical condition or accident, or by severe trauma to the limb. Exercises are recommended for lower extremity amputees to help retain muscle tone and flexibility. Check with your doctor or physical therapist before you attempt any exercise program.
Pelvic Bridge
Lie flat on your back with your foot on the floor. Support your body with your arms to the sides if necessary. Push your pelvis up using your leg, hip and abdominal muscles. Hold your position for five seconds, then lower yourself. Repeat this five times and gradually increase reps as you get stronger.
Assisted Abdominal Crunches
Lie on your back with your leg slightly bent. Have someone hold your amputated side down to provide balance and stability, then crunch your torso up, using your abdominal muscles. Perform as many reps as you can without pain. If your amputation is at the hip, this exercise may not be possible.
Isometric Tension
Lie on your back in a relaxed position and flex all of the muscles in your hip, buttocks and abdomen on your amputated side. Hold the tension for a count of 10, then relax. Repeat this up to five times.
Lying Knee Raises
Lie on your back and reach down to grasp your leg behind the knee. Pull up the leg to your chest and hold it there for several seconds. As you gain strength, pull your knee to your chest without the use of your hands. If you're strong enough to perform the exercise without hands from the beginning, feel free.
Lying Trunk Rotations
Lie flat on your back with your foot on the floor and your knee up. Gently rotate your hips and leg so your knee is pointing inward and resting on the floor. Turn your head and shoulders to the left at the same time. Feel the stretch for several seconds, then repeat five this times. Perform this on the opposite side if your amputation permits.
Modified Push-Ups
Lie flat on your stomach with your palms on the floor at chest level. Slowly push yourself up so your upper torso is off the floor and your pelvis is still on the floor. Hold your position for a count of five, then lower your body. Repeat this five times. The goal is to progress to full push-ups, balanced on your knee.
Leg Extension and Hold
Sit on the edge of a table or bench. Place your hands beside you for support, then raise your "stump" into the air and hold for five or 10 seconds. Repeat this five times. This contracts the quadriceps muscles. If your amputation is higher then mid-thigh, skip this exercise.
Leg Curl and Hold
Lie on your stomach and curl your amputated leg by bending at the knee joint. Hold the contraction for five to 10 seconds, then release. Repeat this five times. This exercise is for amputations below the knee.
