ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to systematically review facilitators and barriers influencing wheelchair users’ transfer performance and to identify key factors associated with it.Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science to identify studies published between January 2000 and October 2025. Search terms included key concepts related to “wheelchair,” “transfer,” “facilitator,” and “barrier.” A total of 2,316 articles were identified, and 23 studies were included in the final analysis according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results: A total of 3,854 participants were included, with spinal cord injury being the most prevalent condition. Factors influencing wheelchair transfers were classified into person, environment, and occupation domains based on the Person-Environment-Occupation model. Facilitators included upper-limb strength, overall physical and psychological capacity, appropriate environmental alignment, structured education and training, and assistive device use. Barriers included reduced physical function, unfavorable environmental conditions, and insufficient training or technical support.Conclusion: Wheelchair transfer performance is influenced by multiple factors across personal, environmental, and occupational domains. These findings provide foundational evidence for developing targeted intervention strategies and for designing and optimizing transfer –assistive devices to promote safe and efficient transfers among wheelchair users.