Independent Wheelchair Transfers in the Built Environment: How Transfer Setup Impacts Performance Phase 2: Final Report

Adjacent Transfer/Two Step Transfer with Ramp

Participant Remarks

Participants that Did Not Attempt the Transfers

Avoid/Avoid

Would find a different way to get there. The set up interferes with his leg braces. May be able to transfer if the station was softer.

Avoid/Avoid

It was too difficult to position my legs for such transfers

Avoid/Avoid

Transfer hurt hands

Participants that had a Failed Attempt

Avoid/Avoid

Not Practical

Avoid/Avoid

Not used to this kind of transfer. Used to doing 1 step transfers.

Avoid/Avoid

Not comfortable performing this type of transfer

Avoid/Avoid

It was too difficult to position my legs for such transfers

Transfer/Transfer

Some transfers were a little tough, but I don't think I would avoid any of the situations

Participants that Completed the Transfers

Avoid/Avoid

Would not complete due to feeling unsafe and feel they might fall

Avoid/Avoid

It was manageable but too much of a pain to perform in public setting

Avoid/Avoid

Didn’t like the transfer because the arms were extended behind the body. For a high level para it is easier to try and grab onto something and climb up as supposed to bumping up during a transfer.

Avoid/Avoid

Not worth the risk of injury unless it was absolutely necessary.

Avoid/Avoid

Depends on the situation and whether there are grab bars. Would not choose to complete unless there was a very important reason to do so

Avoid/Avoid

Made me short of breath

Avoid/Transfer

The ramp made it easier and could better control legs

Transfer/Avoid

Both transfers were new for me. The angled transfer was very demanding to perform. Overall both the two-step transfers were rough and shoulder pain made it worse.

Transfer/Avoid

Felt more comfortable transferring to a direct vertical height instead of the angled transfer. Felt less stable during the angled transfer.

Transfer/Avoid

The 90o felt a lot like transferring up stairs. The angled transfer was like scooting up a hill. Would avoid doing this unless he needed to go up a hill.

Transfer/Transfer

Felt the transfers were easy since I have smaller legs. The ramp makes the angled transfer more comfortable.

Transfer/Transfer

Felt the two-step process made transferring easier

Transfer/Transfer

Yes I would certainly do them over again. I found it very fun

Transfer/Transfer

If it was something that needed done I would do it. I try not to set limitations

Transfer/Transfer

Felt the transfer were easier because of the grab bars

Transfer/Transfer

As an active wheelchair user I would make these transfers in the real world

Transfer/Transfer

Preferred the sloped transfer and would try to figure out a different way to make the transfers