What stance should you take when standing to transfer?

• A. Stand with feet together
• B. Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees bent
• C. Stand with one foot forward
• D. Stand with knees locked

Answer: (B)

Having a solid base of support is essential for a safe transfer. The best stance is feet about shoulder-width apart with the knees bent. This setup lowers your center of gravity, distributes your weight over a larger area, and lets you bend at the hips and knees to use your leg muscles rather than your back. It also helps you stay balanced if the patient shifts or you need to adjust during the move, and it keeps your spine in a neutral position to protect it from strain.

Standing with feet together gives you a narrow base and is easy to lose balance. Placing one foot forward creates an unstable, uneven base that can throw you off during the transfer. Locking the knees prevents bending and absorbing movement, forcing more load onto the back and increasing injury risk.