Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


NagavarapuShasank - MastersThesis.pdf (1.25 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Measuring Biomechanical Loads on the spine during Patient Lifting Sling Application and Removal: Assessing the effects of Work Method, Patient Weight and Bed Height

Nagavarapu, Shasank
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1440270675

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Objective research is sparse on the biomechanics and ergonomics of the patient sling application and removal processes, which are necessary ancillary tasks that must be performed when using mechanical aids for patient transfer. This repeated measures study quantified the biomechanical loading on the spine as 12 female nurses applied and removed slings under two patients of differing weights (54 and 100 kg), using two work methods, and while working at three bed heights (56, 71, 93 cm). Three-dimensional spine loads at each vertebral level between T12/L1 and L5/S1 were measured using an EMG-assisted biomechanical model. Sling application and removal was performed either with the nurses remaining on one side of the bed for the entire task or by the nurse accessing the patient from both sides of the bed. Shear loading at the L5/S1 level and Lateral Shear loading at the L1/L2 level and above exceeded the tolerance threshold limit for disc failure. With respect to the lighter weight patient, the heavier patient led to significantly higher compression, A/P shear and lateral shear. While mean compressive forces were generally under 3400 N, several participants exceeded this level when applying the sling under the heavier patient. In general, working from both sides of the bed generated slightly higher A/P Shear loading than the one-sided method. Raising the bed decreased compression and A/P shear significantly. Therefore, increasing the bed height to at least the nurse’s knuckle height is recommended based on the findings from this study.
Steven Lavender (Advisor)
William Marras (Committee Member)
84 p.
Biomechanics; Industrial Engineering; Occupational Health
Patient Sling; Sling Application; Sling Removal; Patient Handling; Nurses

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Nagavarapu, S. (2015). Measuring Biomechanical Loads on the spine during Patient Lifting Sling Application and Removal: Assessing the effects of Work Method, Patient Weight and Bed Height [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1440270675

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Nagavarapu, Shasank. Measuring Biomechanical Loads on the spine during Patient Lifting Sling Application and Removal: Assessing the effects of Work Method, Patient Weight and Bed Height. 2015. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1440270675.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Nagavarapu, Shasank. "Measuring Biomechanical Loads on the spine during Patient Lifting Sling Application and Removal: Assessing the effects of Work Method, Patient Weight and Bed Height." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1440270675

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1440270675
973
© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.