Article

Bathroom assistive devices are used to improve safety during bathing transfers,
but biomechanical evidence to support clinical recommendations is lacking. This
study evaluated the effectiveness of common bathroom aids in promoting balance
control during bathing transfers. Twenty-six healthy adults (12 young, 14 older)
stepped into and out of a slippery bathtub while using a vertical grab bar on the
side wall, a horizontal grab bar on the back wall, a bath mat, a side wall touch,
or no assistance. Balance control was characterized using center of pressure
measures and showed greater instability for older adults. The vertical grab bar
and wall touch resulted in the safest (best controlled) transfers. The bath mat
provided improved balance control in the axis parallel to the bathtub rim but was
equivalent to no assistance perpendicular to the rim, in the direction of
obstacle crossing. These results can support clinical recommendations for safe
bathing transfers.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Langue : ANGLAIS