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

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.

Use of a functional movement screening tool to determine injury risk in female collegiate athletes.

BACKGROUND: Athletes often utilize compensatory movement strategies to achieve high performance. However, these inefficient movement strategies may reinforce poor biomechanical movement patterns during typical activities, resulting in injury. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine if compensatory movement patterns predispose female collegiate athletes to injury, and if a functional movement screening (FMS™) tool can be used to predict injuries in this population. METHODS: Scores on the FMS™, comprised of seven movement tests, were calculated for 38 NCAA Division II female collegiate athletes before the start of their respective fall and winter sport seasons (soccer, volleyball, and basketball). Seven athletes reported a previous history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Injuries sustained while participating in sport activities were recorded throughout the seasons. RESULTS: The mean FMS™ score and standard deviation for all subjects was 14.3±1.77 (maximum score of 21). Eighteen injuries (17 lower extremity, 1 lower back) were recorded during this study. A score of 14/21 or less was significantly associated with injury (P=0.0496). Sixty-nine percent of athletes scoring 14 or less sustained an injury. Odds ratios were 3.85 with inclusion of all subjects, and 4.58 with exclusion of ACLR subjects. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.58 and 0.74 for all subjects, respectively. A significant correlation was found between low-scoring athletes and injury (P=0.0214, r=0.76). DISCUSSION: A score of 14 or less on the FMS™ tool resulted in a 4-fold increase in risk of lower extremity injury in female collegiate athletes participating in fall and winter sports. The screening tool was able to predict injury in female athletes without a history of major musculoskeletal injury such as ACLR. CONCLUSION: Compensatory fundamental movement patterns can increase the risk of injury in female collegiate athletes, and can be identified by using a functional movement screening tool.

Effectiveness of computer ergonomics interventions for an engineering company: a program evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: Ergonomic principles at the computer workstation may reduce the occurrence of work related injuries commonly associated with intensive computer use. A program implemented in 2001 by an occupational therapist and a physical therapist utilized these preventative measures with education about ergonomics, individualized evaluations of computer workstations, and recommendations for ergonomic and environmental changes. METHOD: This study examined program outcomes and perceived effectiveness based on review of documents, interviews, and surveys of the employees and the plant manager. RESULTS: The program was deemed successful as shown by 59% of all therapist recommendations and 74% of ergonomic recommendations being implemented by the company, with an 85% satisfaction rate for the ergonomic interventions and an overall employee satisfaction rate of 70%. Eighty-one percent of the physical problems reported by employees were resolved to their satisfaction one year later. CONCLUSION: Successful implementation of ergonomics programs depend upon effective communication and education of the consumers, and the support, cooperation and collaboration of management and employees.