Design and evaluation of a simple and affordable transfer assistive device for wheelchair users in the context of developing country

Abstract

Purpose

The present study aimed at designing a simple, affordable, yet safe transfer assistive device (TAD) for lower limb impaired individuals in the context of a developing country.

Methods

The preliminary study carried out, comprising a pilot survey with the involvement of stakeholder’s views to design and develop the proposed device that had a unique feature. To evaluate the present TAD in terms of user’s comfort of use and level of physical strain, subjects including 19 healthy students serving as “patients” have participated in a laboratory-simulated setting. Data was collected based on user’s physiologic effort and rate of perceived exertion using Heart rate monitoring device (Polar RS 400 heart taster) and Borg’s scale, respectively.

Results

The data were analysed statistically and revealed that the regression equation for predicting the RPE from HR showed $31.3\mathrm{\%}$ of the variance in RPE was predictable from the level of HR. The ANOVA significance also indicates the model is statistically significant with (p < 0.013). Similarly, the estimated strain level has computed in terms of %HRR, and the physical strain averaged over the subjects who performed the task (n = 19) was expressed in terms of (mean ± SD) %HRR were ($16.21\pm 7.64$%) which was a relatively smaller strain level as compared to the previous research report.

Conclusion

The present device found a potentially affordable solution for reducing fatigue and strain level that might develop during unassisted transfer. Similarly, the unique feature of the armpit support has contributed to dynamic contact force reduction and as double safety support.

Implications for rehabilitation

• The use of transfer assistive device is associated with increased patient satisfaction and privacy of users

• Improved patient adherence and cooperation with caregivers in rehabilitation center.

• Encourages the rehabilitation settings to use transfer assistive devices instead of manual handling there by increase the recovery period.

Keywords:

• Heart rate reserve
• physiologic effort
• rate of perceived exertion
• strain level
• transfer assistive device
• wheelchair users

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).