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

Study Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine independent transfers to and from a WMD and a simple platform, with and without the use of grab bars and/or a backrest, and transfers between two platforms (e.g. two-step transfer).  The specific objectives were to:

1. Define population-based percentiles for:

a. Level, highest and lowest heights for transfers to i) a seat with no handhelds present, ii) a seat with grab-bars and iii) a seat with grab-bars and a backrest.

b. Seat widths needed for each level, highest and lowest transfers to i) a seat with no handhelds present, ii) a seat with grab-bars and iii) a seat with grab-bars and a backrest

c. Floor space needed for level, highest and lowest height transfers to seats without handhelds, with grab-bars, and with grab bars and a backrest

d. Highest and lowest heights for a two-step transfer with and without an integrated ramp

2. Determine user preferences for grab bar and backrest heights and prevalence of grab bar and backrest use in each type of transfer.

3. Determine the relationship between grab bar and backrest presence and transfer ability.  We hypothesized that grab bars would enable participants to perform higher or lower transfers.