Analysis of Side-approach Transfer Motion for Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries

The purpose of this study is to clarify the side-approach transfer ability of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. We evaluated SCI patient´s skill and muscle strength when performing the transfer motion by imaging the movements involved in each patient´s transfer motion and measuring the floor reaction forces. Measurements of the side-approach transfer from wheelchair to platform were carried out in eleven SCI patients who were trained to perform the side-approach transfer during rehabilitation, and two healthy subjects. The results showed that SCI patients must have large brachial muscle strength in their both hands in order to execute the side-approach transfer. The force patterns and force direction of the left hand differ among SCI patients. Using force patterns, medical staffs can evaluate each patient´s ability to perform the side-approach transfer, and train the patients accordingly