R W Bohannon1. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-2101, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare pull forces required to move supine subjects between adjacent surfaces using different devices and methods. DESIGN: Descriptive, correlational, explicatory experiment. SUBJECTS: Convenience sample of volunteers. INTERVENTION: Alternative transfer devices and methods. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pull forces measured with dynamometers. RESULTS: Pull forces associated with transfers with no device, a draw sheet, a Patient Shifter, and an Easy Slide differed significantly (F = 245.1, p < .001), but were correlated significantly (p < .001) with one another (r > .89) and subjects' body weights (r > .82). Pull forces required for transfers with the Easy Slide were lowest. CONCLUSIONS: Use of friction-reducing transfer devices significantly decreased the forces required for transferring individuals between adjacent surfaces. The magnitude of this decrease in this study was greatest with the Easy Slide.
OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare pull forces required to move supine subjects between adjacent surfaces using different devices and methods. DESIGN: Descriptive, correlational, explicatory experiment. SUBJECTS: Convenience sample of volunteers. INTERVENTION: Alternative transfer devices and methods. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pull forces measured with dynamometers. RESULTS: Pull forces associated with transfers with no device, a draw sheet, a Patient Shifter, and an Easy Slide differed significantly (F = 245.1, p < .001), but were correlated significantly (p < .001) with one another (r > .89) and subjects' body weights (r > .82). Pull forces required for transfers with the Easy Slide were lowest. CONCLUSIONS: Use of friction-reducing transfer devices significantly decreased the forces required for transferring individuals between adjacent surfaces. The magnitude of this decrease in this study was greatest with the Easy Slide.