AIM:
To train lifting and rotating onto the chair (floor to wheelchair transfer using the side approach, complete T4 paraplegia)
Rationale:
An important component of moving from the floor to the wheelchair is lifting the body through the upper limbs whilst also rotating the body. Training is set so the patient can practise something similar but simpler.
Equipment:
- Wheelchair
- Stools of various heights
- Non-slip mat
- Wheelie stool
Key Points:
- Therapist is positioned in front of the patient on a wheelie stool
- Patient is positioned on front edge of wheelchair
- Patient practices shifting buttocks from wheelchair to stool
- Therapist provides manual guidance under the thighs/buttocks
- Ensure patient’s head moves down while lifting buttocks up
Common Errors:
- Therapist is too far away to give adequate manual guidance and ensure safety
- Patient overbalances forwards while trying to lift vertically and rotate
- Patient scrapes buttocks across surfaces predisposing to pressure areas
Progression and Variety:
- Decrease/remove manual guidance
- Decrease the height of the stool