Video summary

Slide Board / Pivot Transfers for Unilateral Amputees - Prosthetic Training: Episode 10

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main Ideas / Concepts

  • The video demonstrates pivot transfers using a transfer board for a unilateral amputee moving between a wheelchair and bed.
  • It emphasizes that success depends mainly on setup and positioning (wheelchair angle, locked brakes, safe body alignment), not speed.
  • It highlights technique details to prevent common problems such as:
    • Slipping off the front of the board
    • Creating unnecessary foot tension during pivoting

Methodology / Step-by-Step Instructions (As Presented)

A) Transfer Board: Bed/Surface → Wheelchair (Unilateral Amputee)

Setup

  • Position the wheelchair correctly:
    • Get the wheelchair as close as possible.
    • Avoid a perfect “90-degree” setup; instead, tip the front end in as tight as possible.
  • Ensure safety and stability:
    • Have the patient lock both wheelchair brakes.
    • Instruct the patient to grab the chair and confirm it is solid and not moving.

Patient Positioning

  • Have the patient turn hips slightly toward the chair, just enough to be:
    • Closer, and
    • At a better angle for the transfer.

Place the Transfer Board

  • Start with the board positioned so the patient leans away slightly and slides.
  • Place the board:
    • Under the residual limb and slightly under the hip.
    • Do not place it fully back under the hip, because when the patient comes forward, they should not slide off the front of the board.
  • Tip/fit detail:
    • Pull up the patient’s shorts so fabric doesn’t stick to or interfere with the board.

Perform the Transfer (Using Scoots)

  • From the starting position:
    • Lean forward a little.
    • Do a small controlled scoot onto the board.
  • Pace guidance:
    • Move slowly and take your time.
    • Stop when reaching about the midpoint/target position (“about here” in the demo).

Final Board Clearing / Getting Off the Board

  • As the last scoot completes:
    • The patient should lift and push back toward the back of the chair as much as possible.
    • This helps ensure the transfer board comes partially out early, making it easier to get off.

B) Bed → Wheelchair Pivot Transfer (No Transfer Board in This Segment)

Wheelchair Setup

  • Position the wheelchair with the front end corner as tight as possible.
  • Lock both wheels and verify the chair is locked in position.

Patient Setup and Pivot Technique

  • Position the patient to start the pivot with:
    • Her body turned slightly away from the chair.
    • Hips oriented so they will face toward the chair during pivoting.
  • Foot positioning:
    • Keep the foot turned out a bit to reduce tension when pivoting to sit down.

Hand Placement and Support

  • Have the patient:
    • Bring her hand to the far armrest.
    • This hand pushes off from that armrest.
  • Caregiver/support:
    • The instructor uses a gait belt if available; otherwise, holds the patient’s belt / under belt loops.
  • Standing assistance (no pivot at that stage):
    • Have the patient lean into the instructor.
    • Instructor helps her stand, only standing first (not pivoting yet).
    • Once both feel safe, she performs the movement by turning hips and sitting down.

Complete the Transfer

  • The instructor holds the patient into the back of the chair until she is secure, then releases.

Speakers / Sources Featured

  • David Lawrence (instructor / presenter)
  • Mission Gait (referenced as the YouTube channel/series source: “YouTube.com/MissionGait”)

Original video