Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

At which spinal cord injury level is independent transfers with a sliding board feasible?

1. C4

2. C5

3. C6

4. C7

The correct answer is: C6

Independent transfers with a sliding board are generally feasible at the C6 spinal cord injury level. At this level, individuals typically have some functional movement of their shoulders, arms, and the ability to perform transfers with the assistance of a sliding board, which requires adequate upper body strength and partial hand function. At C6, individuals usually can use their wrist extensors, which enables them to have some grasp capability, facilitating more independent movements. They may not be able to fully extend their elbows but have sufficient functionality to maneuver during transfers. This level of independence is enhanced with the use of adaptive equipment such as sliding boards, which help in transferring weight from one surface to another. In contrast, at C4 and C5, the level of motor function is not sufficient for independent sliding board transfers due to limited arm and hand function. At C7, though individuals may also achieve independent transfers, they generally have more hand function and elbow extension than those at C6, making C6 the optimal level for sliding board transfer independence, highlighting its transitional capabilities towards higher independence levels closer to complete functionality.