Abstract
This study was to examine the kinematics, muscle activities, and perceived physical exertion in different regions of the spine during patient transfers by nursing students between a bed and a wheelchair, with or without a transfer belt in a laboratory setting. Results showed that with the effect of the belt, the % maximum voluntary contraction of the lumbar erector spinae was reduced significantly by nearly 10%. Muscle activity was significantly increased in thoracic erector and multifidus spinae during wheelchair-to-bed transfer, compared to bed-to-wheelchair transfers. There was no significant effect of belt or task on the spinal angular displacement in different spinal regions. Using the transfer belt was associated with a significantly decreased score for perceived exertion. In conclusion, this study supports the use of a transfer belt contributing to lower muscle activity and lower perceived physical exertion in the low back.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 102940 |
Journal | Applied Ergonomics |
Volume | 82 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2020 |
Keywords
- Electromyography
- Kinematics
- Low-tech patient transfer assistive devices
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Human Factors and Ergonomics
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
- Engineering (miscellaneous)