Reaction force and EMG analyses of wheelchair transfers

To examine how reaction forces and muscle activity change when transferring from a wheelchair to three different heights, six male able-bodied college students were tested. Analysis indicated that transferring to a lower seat position generated a greater vertical reaction force and required more muscle effort from triceps and posterior deltoid muscles. Transferring to a higher seat position resulted in a shift of the friction force from the anterior-posterior to the medial-lateral direction, and more biceps muscle effort was needed to perform the up-rightward movement. Transferring to a seat at the same height required less muscle effort from the upper extremities.