Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Active, Not Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT03164278

Effectiveness of Web-Based Training (SERT)

The objective of this research study is to assess the effectiveness of an independent transfer training program (ITTP), and to determine methods which may increase overall success of an online training program.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Remote Transfer Training Program

Age range

18 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15206, United States

About this study

Up to 200 individuals will be recruited for this research study. Investigators will recruit individuals who use a wheelchair for the majority of their mobility (over 40 hours per week), have the ability to transfer independently (may use equipment like sliding boards), use a seated pivot to transfer, and speak English as a primary a language. This study will be accessed entirely online and participation is expected to last approximately one year. Subjects will be randomized into three groups; one group that will receive transfer training immediately with no follow up, one group that will receive the transfer training immediately with 1 month and 6 month follow up, and one group that will receive the transfer training after 6 months. The transfer training program itself will take approximately 1 hour to complete.

After obtaining informed consent, participants in the first two groups will complete baseline questionnaires. They will then receive the transfer training program.

Participants in the third group (a wait-list control group) will complete the baseline questionnaires and be contacted one month later to complete a transfer assessment instrument questionnaire. They will then wait 5 months. After this period, participants will complete the baseline questionnaires a second time, and then receive the transfer training.

After completing the transfer training, all groups will be contacted immediately post training to complete additional questionnaires to assess the effectiveness of the remote transfer training program. Participants in the 2nd and 3rd group will be contacted 1 month and 6 months post-training to complete additional questionnaires.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Utilize a wheelchair for the majority of mobility (over 40 hours per week).
  • Ability to transfer independently (may use equipment like sliding boards).
  • Use of seated pivot transfer
  • Speak English as a primary a language

Exclusion criteria

  • Pain prohibiting transfers
  • Active use of the lower limb muscles during transfers
  • Current or recent history (last 3 months) of pressure sores

Treatment and study plan

Independent Transfer Training

Behavioral

Independent Transfer Training Program: ITTP training starts with an overview and self-evaluation using the transfer assessment instrument questionnaire (TAI-Q) followed by three core modules: wheelchair setup, body setup, and flight/landing. Wheelchair setup includes factors such as the angle and distance of the wheelchair to the transfer surface, removing barriers, applying the brakes, and height of the transfer. Body setup involves positioning one's body for an optimal transfer and covers foot, hip, arm and hand positions. Flight/landing discusses how to achieve a smooth and controlled transfer, the head-hips relationship, use of transfer device, and safe landing.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Transfer Assessment Instrument Questionnaires (TAI-Q)

    Time frame: This measure is collected at baseline, pre- training, during the training, as well as at the 1 month and 6 month follow ups.

    We will assess the mathematical difference in assessments from baseline to follow-up.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Wheelchair Users Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI)

    Time frame: This measure is collected pre- training, as well as at 6 month follow up.

    We will assess the mathematical difference in assessments from baseline to follow-up.

  2. Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System: Physical Function with Mobility Aid

    Time frame: This measure is collected pre-training and at the 6 month follow up.

    We will assess the mathematical difference in assessments from baseline to follow-up.

  3. Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System: Satisfaction with Social Roles & Activities

    Time frame: This measure is collected pre-training and at the 6 month follow up.

    We will assess the mathematical difference in assessments from baseline to follow-up.

  4. Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System: Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities

    Time frame: This measure is collected pre-training and at the 6 month follow up.

    We will assess the mathematical difference in assessments from baseline to follow-up.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Pittsburgh

Other

Collaborators

  • Department of Health and Human Services

Registry information

Official study title

Studying the Effectiveness of Remote Training

Acronym: SERT

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
May 23, 2017
Registry last updated
Dec 10, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.