Remote Transfer Training ProgramSERTNCT03164278
Effectiveness of Web-Based Training (SERT)
A study testing Independent Transfer Training in people with Remote Transfer Training Program, run by University of Pittsburgh at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Remote Transfer Training Program
- What is being tested?
- Independent Transfer Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 200 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 4 Dec 2017to 1 Dec 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- Pain prohibiting transfers
- Active use of the lower limb muscles during transfers
- Current or recent history (last 3 months) of pressure sores
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15206
About this study
Official title: Studying the Effectiveness of Remote Training
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.
Read the detailed description
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.
- Conditions
- Remote Transfer Training Program
- Being tested
- Independent Transfer Training
- Keywords
- Wheelchair, Biomechanics, Transfer, Participation, Training
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Independent Transfer TrainingBehavioural
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Training (no follow up) | Experimental | Individuals may decide to participate in the research study training program, but not in any follow up questionnaires. This group will have immediate access to the independent transfer training materials. They will complete data collection measures embedded in the transfer training program, including demographics, Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS), Moorong Self Efficacy Scale (MSES), Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS), Transfer Assessment Instrument Questionnaire (TAI-Q), and the Wheelchair User Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI). Receives: Behavioral: Independent Transfer Training |
| Immediate Training (with follow up) | Experimental | Individuals may decide to participate in the research study, but do not want to be randomized. After consent is obtained, these individuals will be directed immediately to the baseline questionnaires (see above) before and after the independent transfer training. Participants may also be asked to complete a user satisfaction survey. Receives: Behavioral: Independent Transfer Training |
| Randomized Training | Experimental | Individuals may decide to participate in the research study and agree to be randomized. These individuals will be immediately randomized into an immediate or a wait list control group. The immediate will receive the independent transfer training program after completing the baseline questionnaires. The wait list control group will wait approximately 6 months before receiving the independent transfer training program. Receives: Behavioral: Independent Transfer Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Transfer Assessment Instrument Questionnaires (TAI-Q)
We will assess the mathematical difference in assessments from baseline to follow-up.
Measured: This measure is collected at baseline, pre- training, during the training, as well as at the 1 month and 6 month follow ups.
Secondary outcomes (4)
Change in Wheelchair Users Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI)
We will assess the mathematical difference in assessments from baseline to follow-up.
Measured: This measure is collected pre- training, as well as at 6 month follow up.
Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System: Physical Function with Mobility Aid
We will assess the mathematical difference in assessments from baseline to follow-up.
Measured: This measure is collected pre-training and at the 6 month follow up.
Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System: Satisfaction with Social Roles & Activities
We will assess the mathematical difference in assessments from baseline to follow-up.
Measured: This measure is collected pre-training and at the 6 month follow up.
Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System: Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities
We will assess the mathematical difference in assessments from baseline to follow-up.
Measured: This measure is collected pre-training and at the 6 month follow up.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 May 2017
- Study start4 Dec 2017
- Primary completion1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Dec 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Remote Transfer Training ProgramStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of PittsburghThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- This is a randomized single blind study.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Pittsburgh
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Michael Boninger, University of Pittsburgh
- Investigators
- Michael Boninger, MD, Principal investigator, University of Pittsburgh
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03164278
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- STUDY19020341
- Other IDs
- 90SI5014-01-00
- Acronym
- SERT
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 18 May 2017
- Last updated
- 10 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: The American Institutes for Research (AIR) will have access to the de-identified questionnaire data and will participate in the private Facebook forum. Requests from AIR to access the data will be made to the Principal Investigator.
Publications
Rigot SK, DiGiovine KM, Boninger ML, Hibbs R, Smith I, Worobey LA. Effectiveness of a Web-Based Direct-to-User Transfer Training Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2022 Apr;103(4):807-815.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.05.007. Epub 2021 Jun 4.
PubMed 34090854
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Studying the Effectiveness of Remote Training
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03164278
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SERT / STUDY19020341
- Conditions
- Remote Transfer Training Program
- Keywords
- Wheelchair, Biomechanics, Transfer, Participation, Training
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of PittsburghUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Study start
- 4 Dec 2017 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 23 May 2017 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- This is a randomized single blind study.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Training (no follow up) | Experimental | Behavioral: Independent Transfer TrainingIndividuals may decide to participate in the research study training program, but not in any follow up questionnaires. This group will have immediate access to the independent transfer training materials. They will complete data collection measures embedded in the transfer training program, including demographics, Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS), Moorong Self Efficacy Scale (MSES), Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS), Transfer Assessment Instrument Questionnaire (TAI-Q), and the Wheelchair User Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI). |
| Immediate Training (with follow up) | Experimental | Behavioral: Independent Transfer TrainingIndividuals may decide to participate in the research study, but do not want to be randomized. After consent is obtained, these individuals will be directed immediately to the baseline questionnaires (see above) before and after the independent transfer training. Participants may also be asked to complete a user satisfaction survey. |
| Randomized Training | Experimental | Behavioral: Independent Transfer TrainingIndividuals may decide to participate in the research study and agree to be randomized. These individuals will be immediately randomized into an immediate or a wait list control group. The immediate will receive the independent transfer training program after completing the baseline questionnaires. The wait list control group will wait approximately 6 months before receiving the independent transfer training program. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Pain prohibiting transfers
- Active use of the lower limb muscles during transfers
- Current or recent history (last 3 months) of pressure sores
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Transfer TrainingIndependent 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. | Behavioural | Immediate Training (no follow up), Immediate Training (with follow up), Randomized Training |
Primary outcome
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.
4 secondary outcomes
Change in Wheelchair Users Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI)
Time frame: This measure is collected pre- training, as well as at 6 month follow up.
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.
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.
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.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Dec 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 34090854Rigot SK, DiGiovine KM, Boninger ML, Hibbs R, Smith I, Worobey LA. Effectiveness of a Web-Based Direct-to-User Transfer Training Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2022 Apr;103(4):807-815.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.05.007. Epub 2021 Jun 4.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. The American Institutes for Research (AIR) will have access to the de-identified questionnaire data and will participate in the private Facebook forum. Requests from AIR to access the data will be made to the Principal Investigator.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Michael Boninger, MD principal investigator
University of Pittsburgh
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Independent Transfer Training in people with Remote Transfer Training Program, run by University of Pittsburgh at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
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.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03164278, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Dec 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 5 Nov 2026.