Video summary

Slide Board / Pivot Transfers for Bilateral Amputees - Prosthetic Training: Episode 11

Main summary

Key takeaways

Wellness and Self-Improvement

Key transfer & self-care strategies (for bilateral prosthetic limb users)

Wheelchair setup (most important early step)

  • Position the wheelchair as close to aligned as possible—avoid placing it at a 90° angle to the bed.
  • Tip the front end inward toward the bed/changing surface as tight as possible for stability.
  • Lock both wheels and confirm the chair does not move.

Using a transfer board (wheelchair ↔ bed)

  • If the board has a handy hole, use it; otherwise, hold the end.
  • Have the patient do a small hip turn/scoot to angle the body so the transfer requires less turning on the board.
  • Lift the shorts/pants (grabbing the side of the clothing/waist area) so fabric doesn’t get caught under the board.
  • Insert the board correctly:
    • Position it so it sits under the thigh and beginning of the backside, not too far under/under a close-side hip.
    • Ensure the board is angled on the chair, but not placed so the patient can slip out from underneath immediately.
  • Use assisted stability:
    • A stool helps for the helper’s reach.
    • If not, the helper can be on one knee and grasp the patient by the belt or pant loops (preferred for control).
  • Scoot technique:
    • Use small scoots at a time.
    • Keep in mind the board can be slippery—large movements increase sliding risk.
  • Last stage adjustment:
    • As the patient nears being fully off the board, bring hands up for leverage and do a final “lift and sit way back” into the wheelchair.
  • Board removal:
    • Once seated, lean away slightly so the transfer board comes out easily.

If the patient can manage more independently

  • Have the patient set the chair position themselves and check brakes:
    • Verify wheel locking by feel/hand check on each side.

Stand-pivot transfer (lower level below-knee, bilateral)

  • Start with proper wheelchair setup:
    • Wheelchair close to the bed, both wheels locked, and confirm the chair is stable/not moving.

Positioning & body mechanics

  • Patient scoots hips closer to the chair, but angles away from the chair.
  • Tuck feet back under, with feet partially faced away from the chair.
  • One hand on the armrest for stability; the other hand pushes up from the bed surface.

Controlled standing

  • Patient leans forward and presses up to standing while the helper stays close for safety.
  • If using a transfer belt, the helper can grab the belt/belt loops for stability/control (belt preferred over just hands on the body).

Step and sit

  • Patient takes a small step with the lead foot forward and brings the other foot back.
  • Then sit back fully into the wheelchair before the helper releases support.

Presenters / sources

  • David Lawrence (presenter)
  • MissionGait (YouTube channel / video series: “Prosthetic Training: Episode 11”)

Original video