Biomechanical and Qualitative Study of a Multiple Adjustable Shower Trolley

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the traditional height-adjustable shower trolley with a shower trolley with a new design. Compared to the traditional height-adjustable shower trolley, this version had higher side supports, indented curves on the long sides, handles, arrow-shaped ends, and a mattress with a flexible mid-section. In this study four nurses carried out five shower cycles using the traditional height-adjustable shower trolley and five shower cycles using the new design. These activities were filmed and analyzed by multi-moment sampling at a fixed interval. Each observation consists of a back score, arm score, leg score and neck score. Results show that working with the new design leads to less postural stress on the musculoskeletal system of the caregiver, compared to the traditional height-adjustable shower trolley. There is a 10.2% improvement in time spent in a neutral back position and a 9.4% improvement in the time spent in a neutral neck position. The main focus of the study was on the postural analyses. Nevertheless the qualitative aspects analyzed deserve attention as well and might be just as valuable. In practice they may determine the frequency with which a device is used, as nurses tend to be more motivated if the patient is more comfortable and the quality of care is higher. The new device was experienced as more dignified, comfortable and warmer.

Keywords: Shower trolley, nursing, physical load, ergonomics, back pain, static load, comfort, quality of care.

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100504