Assessment of Usability and Task Load Demand Using a Robot-Assisted Transfer Device Compared With a Hoyer Advance for Dependent Wheelchair Transfers

Abstract

Objective Manual lifting can be burdensome for people who care for power wheelchair users. Although technologies used for dependent transfers are helpful, they have shortcomings of their own. This study compares the usability and task load demand of a novel robot-assisted transfer device to a clinical standard when performing dependent transfers. Design A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess caregivers (N = 21) transferring a 56-kg mannequin with the Strong Arm and Hoyer Advance at three transfer locations. Feedback was gathered through qualitative surveys. Results Usability was significant in multiple areas important for transfers. Caregiver fatigue and discomfort intensity were reduced, and the Strong Arm was preferred at the three transfer locations. Device ease and efficiency favored Strong Arm at two stations as was discomfort frequency. In addition, physical demand, frustration, and effort were significantly lower using Strong Arm compared with the Hoyer Advance. Conclusions Compared with the Hoyer, participants favored Strong Arm for transfer usability and task load demand. However, further Strong Arm developments are needed.

Clinical and Ergonomic Comparison Between a Robotic Assisted Transfer Device and a Mobile Floor Lift During Caregiver-Assisted Wheelchair Transfers

“…The RATD used for the study was the Strong Arm, updated from a prototype version, further described in pervious literature. 16,17,19,24,25 Strong Arm was mounted to the side of a C500 Permobil power wheelchair along a track. [15][16][17][18][19]24,25 The track increases Strong Arm's range of motion allowing the robot to fold and tuck behind the user's wheelchair.…”

Technology Transfer Assistance Project Brings VA Health Care Ideas to Life

“…The prototyping facility includes numerous production quality technologies for mechanical and electronic fabrication, including computer numerical control (CNC) milling, CNC turning, wire electrical discharge machining, water jet machines, CNC tube bending, welding, laser cutting, CNC press brake, additive manufacturing technologies, and laser-based printed circuit board fabrication. Given TTP's success at finding and encouraging the creativity of VA employees to make inventions and HERL's success with the UPII at prototyping and commercializing its own inventions (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30), starting a partnership between the organizations was determined to be a valuable opportunity (See Figure 1). Gains from the commercialization of products by VA inventors are expected to have a national and even international impact in the wide dissemination of new and improved technologies.…”

Assessment of Muscle Activation of Caregivers Performing Dependent Transfers With a Novel Robotic-Assisted Transfer Device Compared With the Hoyer Advance

“…2, photo 4). 23 By defining these phases, comparisons could be made, even when the transfer techniques are not identical.…”

“…The results of this study indicate that transfers using the robotic-assisted transfer device were as effective, and some cases better, than those performed using the clinical standard. 19,23,31,32 Between International Observational Standards/National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health standards and results of previous literature, the HL mechanical floor lift is intended to reduce the load that a caregiver experiences during patient handling and moving tasks. 2,3,5 The SA design, coupled with reduced muscle activation in the back, indicated reduced load required by the caregiver to assist with transfers.…”