Usability and task load comparison between a robotic assisted transfer device and a mechanical floor lift during caregiver assisted transfers on a care recipient.

Conclusions: The RATD represents a promising new intervention for transferring and handling care recipients who use wheelchairs. However, while caregivers report reduced physical demand and discomfort, more work is required to advance the ease of the human machine interface, the amount of space allowed for the robot to operate, and the ability of the care recipient to operate the technology independently. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Caregivers report significant physical and mental stress while transferring clients in and out of a wheelchair. Clinical standard transfer equipment is limited in the space which it can be used. Robots, particularly those portable and powered, have the ability to not only make the transfer experience safer, but also expand the applications this equipment can provide. PMID: 32988254 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology. - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol Source Type: research