OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the transfer strategy of paraplegic subjects from their wheelchairs. METHODS: Twelve thoracic spinal cord injured subjects participated in this study (T2 to T12). The subjects were able to independently transfer from a wheelchair to a one square meter (m2) table, half a meter in height. Images of reflexive anatomic markers were captured by six ProReflex infrared cameras and processed using a QTRac Capture software. Kinematic parameters of the trunk, head, shoulders and elbows were evaluated. RESULTS: The data analyzed compared the subjects' preferential side for performing transfers, according to the functions performed by each body segment. Angular displacement of the head on sagittal plan (y-z), and the shoulders on the transversal plan (x-y), showed statistical differences (p<0.05). Conclusion: the data obtained on this study showed that there are differences in transfer strategies of paraplegic subjects to their preferential side, in comparison with the non-preferential side. Level of Evidence II, Development of diagnostic criteria on consecutive patients (with universally applied reference "gold" standard).
Kinematics; Wheelchair; Paraplegic
