A biomechanical assessment of New Brunswick’s patient handling techniques
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Date
2024-08
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University of New Brunswick
Abstract
This experimental study examined the biomechanical demands associated with eleven patient handing techniques from two New Brunswick programs: “Back in Form” (BIF) and “All The Right Moves” (ATRM) to inform a new patient handling program for the New Brunswick acute care system. Techniques were divided into 3 blocks based on their movement patterns. Twenty-six healthy participants were trained in the techniques and performed them on a mock patient. Biomechanical and neuromuscular demands were assessed using electromyography, motion capture, dynamometry, and a modified Borg scale. Statistical analysis demonstrated minimal significant differences between techniques, except for two BIF techniques that outperformed in their tasks. Comparisons across techniques showed low variability and showed low risk of musculoskeletal injury when performed in the laboratory-controlled environment. Further research is needed to understand cumulative joint loading with repetitive patient transfers and the effects of fatigue related to performing repetitive patient handling tasks during a 12-hour shift.