Transfers: Bumping Up and Down Stairs
These instructions for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients describe how to safely move up and down stairs while seated, a technique called "bumping up and down stairs."
Important information:
"Bumping up" and "bumping down" the stairs is a technique to go up and down stairs in a seated position.
Follow the level of assistance your therapist instructed to bump up and down stairs:
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Independent: You can do this on your own.
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Supervision: A caregiver should be nearby.
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Assistance: A caregiver will need to help you.
Patient instructions:
Bump up the stairs
1. Walk up to the stairs and turn around so that you are facing away.
2. Place one hand on the railing, if available. With your other hand, reach back toward the second or third step. If your stairs do not have a railing, a caregiver may need to assist you to a seated position on the step.
3. Lower yourself to sit on the second or third step. (Figure 1)
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Figure 1 |
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4. Place hands on the next step up, behind you. Push through your arms to raise your body up to the next step. A caregiver may need to assist you by lifting the affected leg off the steps, if there is an injury, cast or splint. (Figure 2)
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Figure 2 |
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5. Have a small stool and a chair at the top of the stairs so that you can 'bump" onto the stool and then to the chair. Stand up from the chair. (Figure 3)
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Figure 3 |
Bump down the stairs
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Have a small stool and a chair at the top of the stairs.
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Sit in the chair. Lower yourself to the stool then to the top stair.
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Push through your hands and scoot forward to lower yourself to the next step. Repeat this process for each step.
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Stop when you are at the second step or when your feet reach the ground. Stand up by either pushing off the steps with both hands, or using one hand on the railing and your other hand pushing off the step. Your caregiver may need to help you to safely come to standing. (Figure 4)
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Figure 4
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Reviewed on February 13, 2023, by Alison Troilo, PT, DPT