| Healthcare providers are at increasing risks of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). Three types of patient lifting techniques were analyzed: manual lifting, lifting using roller board, and lifting using air-inflated mattress. A comparison between them is made to quantify reduction in injuries and pains. Digital Human Modeling (DHM) software Jack 7.0 was used. First, a model was created with a patient being lifted from stretcher to operating table. Factors studied were lifting technique, number of caregivers, gender, and patient weight percentile. Dependent variables were L4/L5 compression forces and fatigue. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) were performed to illustrate the significance of the factors.;Results revealed the best assistive lifting device is air-inflated mattress with significant reduction in lower back forces and fatigue encountered by care providers. Also, reduction in L4/L5 compression values occurred due to increase in number of caregivers performing each of three lifting techniques. |
