Affiliations: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA | Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan,
UT, USA | University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, TX,
USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Donald S. Bloswick, Ph.D., P.E.,
CPE, University of Utah, Mechanical Engineering, 50 S. Central Campus Dr., Rm.
2202, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9208, USA. Tel.: +1 801 581 4163; Fax: +1 801
585 5261; E-mail: bloswick@mech.utah.edu
Abstract: Multiple studies have concluded that manual patient transfer and
repositioning techniques are a significant cause of low back injuries. The
objective of this study was to compare the low back stresses resulting from the
use of two different mechanical patient transfer assist devices with the use of
traditional manual transfer techniques. The mechanical transfer systems used
were the Barton Patient Transfer System and a Sling-Suspension Lift similar to
a "Hoyer Lift". The back compressive forces derived using the Michigan 3D
Static Strength Model (Version 4.0) and electromyography (EMG) of the muscles
of the low back were compared. This study found that the mechanical assist
devices placed less stress on the low back and were more desirable to use than
the traditional manual techniques. The Barton System was found to be, in
general, less hazardous and more preferred than the Sling Suspension Lift.
