Electromyographic and Kinematic Patient Handling Risk Assessment: Overhead Lift Versus Floor Lift

The use of mechanical patient lifting devices has already been proved to reduce the risk of caregiver injury during patient transfers. Despite this evidence, nowadays this equipment is still underused in the working environment. This study aims to compare sEMG activities and trunk kinematic, obtained by means of an optoelectronic system, between overhead lift devices versus floor lift devices and to verify if the patient movement with a mechanical lift may be safely performed. Seven experienced operators were studied by means of surface electromyography during an 85 kg surrogated patient handling from the bed to the wheelchair and vice versa by a single caregiver at a time using both a floor lift and an overhead lift. Results show that the use of these devices allows the operator to work safely and could be helpful in case of reduced fitness for work.