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- Biped Problems: Fixing the Transfer Weak Spot Even Most Pros Don't Know About
Biped Problems: Fixing the Transfer Weak Spot Even Most Pros Don't Know About
In this ultra-pragmatic edition of the newsletter, we'll be talking about transfers and I'll show you how to fix a balance mistake that I see all the time, even from pros who should know better. Today, we learn to harness the power of the triangle!
Ben Couch
August 05, 2025
In this edition: |
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• 🎥 Video: Biped Transfer Problems — How to Keep Your Balance 🎞️ |
The Dementia Newsletter, by elumenEd
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Caregiver’s Corner: Don’t Fall for Bad Transfer Techniques
First, please watch the video above before you read this. I’ll be talking about some body principles here that are easier to see in motion before we talk about them.
Hi Caregivers! This week, we’re going to get technical with how we can use our bodies, specifically our balance, to reduce risk of injury for ourselves and our loved ones during transfers.
I see lots of videos out there telling people to stand in a way that undermines their balance during transfers: facing the person directly with the feet even.
NO! This is a back injury and a bad fall waiting to happen. If you transfer like this, please read on.
If you watched the video at the beginning, you’ll already have a good idea of what triangulation points are. They are the weak points in our balance, and they are the spots we have to protect. (If you haven’t watched the video, this one is particularly important. Please do.)
You can find your triangulation point by imagining the third point of the equilateral triangle with your feet being the other two points. Do this both in front and behind you.
We will always have these weak points: there’s no way to get rid of them. But we can position them strategically so that they are taken out of the equation.
The green circles in the picture above are the weak points, the missing third leg of the stool if you will. When your center of gravity is drawn toward this point your likelihood of falling increases exponentially.
Now, imagine the other person’s feet facing you in the same way. You will have overlapping front triangulation points, which means that if anything goes wrong then the likelihood of at least one of you falling is high.
AND, because your balance is weak, you have to compensate with the muscles in your lower back.
This is a disaster in the making.
The fix is so, so easy. Simply take a bladed stance that shifts your triangulation point out of the way.
When you blade your stance, your weak points are out of the way of the transfer.
This is so much more powerful. Your weak points of balance are out of the path of the transfer, and you now have a strongly positioned front and back leg to absorb the weight. Because your balance is not awkwardly strained, your lower back is at a much lower risk.
Last, when we correct to the bladed position, we can step, pivot, and respond to changes much more quickly.
I hope you take a look at the video above. It’s much easier to see me do it first and then read about it.
This is a principle that I learned in martial arts. There, I want people to fall down. But in healthcare, I can use the same principles to prevent people from falling. In this case, we’re protecting ourselves and others with this information.
🌟 Could a Gait Belt Help Your Transfers? 🌟
If you transfer a larger person on a regular basis, a gait belt can be a lifesaver. This is a heavy belt that the person wears that allows you to get a good grip on their center of gravity. It is very strong, so it won’t break. It will also help you protect your back because you won’t need to lean in for a hug-style grab. If you have a hard time with transfers, this can help a lot! This one is under $10. Very worth it. |
🥋📽️ A Bonus Balance Video from the Dojo 📺️🥋
I’m going a little bit off book with this one, but I found an old video where I’m teaching a jujutsu technique called Tenchi Nage (“heaven and earth throw”) that makes extensive use of triangulation points.
It was filmed on a whim back in 2022 for my advanced students and has zero production value. I use at least a little Japanese jargon, but you don’t need to worry about that.
This is a “principle” technique: it teaches us about how the body works and lets us test our structures. It’s not so much about actual combat as it is for learning about balance and physical manipulation of the other person.
Maybe it’s interesting or helpful. I hope you enjoy it.
Ben Couch, author
I’ve been a dementia professional for over 20 years, but the fight against dementia has become much more personal for me as I am now engaged in my own mother’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease. I started The Dementia Newsletter as well as it’s parent company, elumenEd, to help caregivers — specifically home and family caregivers — gain access to the very best training and information available at an affordable price.
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At The Dementia Newsletter, we’re dementia professionals but we’re not medical doctors or lawyers. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical diagnosis, treatment, or any health-related concerns and consult with a lawyer regarding any legal matters.
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