Differences between novice and experienced caregivers in muscle activity and perceived exertion while repositioning bedridden patients.
(1/20)
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of caregiver knowledge and experience on muscle activity and perceived exertion while repositioning bedridden patients. Subjects were 40- to 65-year-old female caregivers divided into novice and experienced groups. Subjects from both groups performed home-care repositioning techniques on bedridden patients while muscle activity was recorded via electromyogram. Recordings were made from four muscles on the subjects' dominant side: the latissimus dorsi, the biceps brachii, the erector spinae, and the rectus femoris. The subjective burden involved in repositioning was also assessed using the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and visual analog scales (VAS). Rectus femoris percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) values were significantly lower than latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, and biceps brachii values in the novice group. %MVC values from the latissimus dorsi and biceps brachii were significantly higher among the novice group compared to the experienced group. RPE ratings from the novice group were significantly higher than those of the experienced group, and there was a non-significant trend for higher VAS values for the low back, arms, and legs in the novice group compared to the experienced group. Novice caregivers tended to change the patient's position by pulling with the upper limbs without using the lower limbs. In contrast, experienced caregivers exerted less energy by communicating with the patient and utilizing the patient's own movements. They used large, distributed muscle groups that effectively harnessed body mechanics and prevented excess exertion. (+info)
Change of patient position using a transportation board during lumboperitoneal shunting. Technical note.
(2/20)
Lumboperitoneal shunt placement requires access to the lumbar theca in the lateral position, followed by subsequent laparotomy in the supine position. This position change and repeat draping are bothersome, especially in heavy patients, so we developed a method that facilitates changing the patient position while keeping the surgical drapes in place. An oblong plastic board covered with Teflon-coated glassfiber cloth and surrounded by a nylon-cloth sleeve is used. The sleeve can be easily moved over the board, so patients can be moved in the transverse direction with minimal pushing force. The patient is placed in the lateral position on the board on the operating table and draped from the back to the abdomen. After catheter insertion into the lumbar theca and introduction of a subcutaneous tunnel to the flank, the patient is pushed in the ventral direction, moved to the opposite edge of the operating table, and the position is changed from lateral to supine, leaving the original drape intact. Finally, a catheter is placed by laparotomy. We were able to change position easily in 20 patients weighing 47-85 kg (mean 69.6 kg). This technique reduces the labor required for position change and preserves sterility. (+info)
What constitutes effective manual handling training? A systematic review.
(3/20)
Do assistive devices, training, and workload affect injury incidence? Prevention efforts by nursing homes and back injuries among nursing assistants.
(8/20)