1. Transfer Training &
Body Mechanics
Seema Marshall , SPT
George Washington University

2. Guidelines to remember
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Maintain good posture – keep your back straight
Keep your weight evenly balanced
Lift with your legs, bend from your knees
Try not to twist
Use what is available to help
Inform the patient ahead of time

3. Before you begin
• Plan your transfer
• Set up your environment
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Bed height/angle
Untangle lines
Move furniture (bed, chairs)
Bring assistive devices close by
• Inform the patient of your plan
▫ Encourage them to assist if possible

4. Lifting techniques
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Stand close
Keep feet apart
Bend at the knees
Keep your back straight
Use your core
Lift with your legs

5. Helpful equipment
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Assistive devices
Slide boards
Transfer sheets
TAP glide sheets
Gait belts
Van turn
Barton chair
Hoyer lift

6. Two person transfers
• Plan ahead – who will be positioned where
• One person leads – count off

8. • Supine, rolling
• Supine, up/down to
head/foot of bed
• Supine to side-lying
• Supine to sit
• Sit to stand

9. Stand pivot transfers
• For patients who
cannot stand
independently but
can bear some weight
through LE
• Squat pivot transfers
option for lower level
patients

10. References
• Minor, M.A. and Minor, S. Patient Care Skills. 6th
ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
2006.
• Pierson, F.M. Principles and Techniques of Patient
Care. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company.
2009.
• European Parkinson’s Disease Association.
Managing movement difficulties. EPDA. 2013.
http://www.epda.eu.com/en/parkinsons/indepth/managing-yourparkinsons/carers/managing-movementdifficulties/cguide-for-two-people-movingsomeone-up-a-bed/