Article

The purpose of this study was to quantify the deficit rates for transfer
component skills in a Veteran cohort and explore the relationship between deficit
rates and subject characteristics. Seventy-four men and 18 women performed up to
four transfers independently from their wheelchair to a mat table while a
therapist evaluated their transfer techniques using the Transfer Assessment
Instrument. The highest deficit rates concerned the improper use of handgrips
(63%). Other common problems included not setting the wheelchair up at the proper
angle (50%) and not removing the armrest (58%). Veterans over 60 yr old and
Veterans with moderate shoulder pain were more likely to set up their wheelchairs
inappropriately than younger Veterans (p = 0.003) and Veterans with mild shoulder
pain (p = 0.004). Women were less likely to remove their armrests than men (p =
0.03). Subjects with disabilities other than spinal cord injury were less
inclined to set themselves up for a safe and easy transfer than the subjects with
spinal cord injury (p </= 0.001). The results provide insight into the
disparities present in transfer skills among Veterans and will inform the
development of future transfer training programs both within and outside of the
Department of Veterans Affairs.

Langue : ANGLAIS