During a wheelchair-to-bed transfer, which leg position minimizes joint strain?

• A. Knees crossed and legs flexed
• B. Legs tucked under chair
• C. Legs extended, avoid crossing
• D. Legs raised

Answer: (C)

The leg position that minimizes joint strain is keeping the legs extended and uncrossed, with feet planted for a supported base. When the legs stay straight, the joints—ankle, knee, and hip—remain in near-neutral alignment, which reduces twisting and excessive bending torques as you push up or pivot toward the bed. Crossing the legs introduces twist at the hips and knees and can misalign the pelvis and spine, increasing strain and the risk of imbalance. Tucking legs under the chair compromises your base of support, making the transfer harder and riskier, while raising the legs takes away a stable contact point and shifts more load to the upper body. So, extended, uncrossed legs provide the most stable, least-strain position for this transfer.