Article

The objective of this study was to quantify the kinesiological effect of
the assistance provided by service dogs on transferring from sit to stand in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS:
Twenty-four participants
performed a total of eight experimental transfers of sit to stand, including
unassisted transfers, transfers with a cane and transfers with assistance from a
service dog. We analysed movements at the lower extremity joints using a
three-dimensional kinematics system and two force plates. RESULTS: At the hip
joints, the range of motion changes and energy expenditure with a cane and with
the service dog were smaller than that of the unassisted transfers. Transfers with a service dog resulted in less joint movement and less energy used in movements at the knee and ankle joints; participants also scored themselves as
requiring less effort on a self-rating scale than in the other conditions.
CONCLUSION: A service dog provides benefits in assisting with transfers from sit
to stand by persons with RA. Future studies should consider training the service
dogs to assume correct positions and use appropriate timing to support their
partners during these transfers.

Langue : ANGLAIS