Actively Recruiting
Biomechanical Validation of the Caregiver Assisted Transfer Technique Instrument
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2025-07-30
160
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the Caregiver Assisted Transfer Technique Instrument (CATT) to assess and improve transfer techniques used by informal caregivers assisting individuals with physical disabilities. This study aims to establish the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the CATT as a tool to identify skill deficits and guide individualized training. The goal is to help reduce musculoskeletal pain and injuries among caregivers and care recipients during assisted transfers. Participants include informal caregivers and their care recipients who require assistance with transfers. The study will involve baseline assessments including questionnaires and biomechanical measurements using wireless sensors and pressure insoles as caregivers perform transfers between wheelchairs and various surfaces. Caregivers identified with transfer skill deficits will receive individualized training from a clinician expert, followed by a reassessment of their transfer skills. Throughout the study, researchers will collect data on caregiver and care recipient health, quality of life, and pain, along with biomechanical and observational scores using the CATT. Transfers will be videotaped and scored by multiple raters to ensure reliability. The primary outcome is the change in CATT scores after training. Secondary outcomes include changes in biomechanical measurements related to lumbar forces and body movements. Participants may have multiple visits over a short period to evaluate improvements and consistency in transfer techniques.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Biomechanical Validation of the CATT
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Caregivers must be at least 18 years old
- Caregivers must routinely assist an adult with a physical disability with transfers
- Caregivers must have served in this role for at least 3 months
- Caregivers must not have received formal training in assisted transfer techniques as part of a professional program
- Care recipients must be at least 18 years old
- Care recipients must have a physical disability diagnosis for at least one year
- Care recipients must require assistance with transfers
- Care recipients must currently receive care from an informal caregiver
You will not qualify if you...
- Caregivers with current or recent musculoskeletal injuries within the last 6 months that could worsen with transfers are excluded
- Care recipients with existing or recent pressure ulcers within the last 3 months are excluded
- Care recipients with recent upper extremity injuries within the last 6 months that could worsen from transfers are excluded
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 to 2 days
Participants complete baseline questionnaires and undergo biomechanical assessments of their transfer techniques using the Caregiver Assisted Transfer Technique Instrument (CATT) and motion sensors during transfers between surfaces.
2 visits within 72 hours
Duration - 1 visit (training and reassessment on the same day)
Participants identified with transfer skill deficits receive individualized transfer training with a clinician expert on assisted transfer techniques, followed by reassessment of transfer skills using the CATT.
1 in-person training and reassessment visit
Duration - 1 week after intervention
Participants' transfer techniques and biomechanical measures are monitored to evaluate improvements after training.
1 follow-up visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15240
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Alicia M Koontz, PhD
N
Nikitha Deepak, MS BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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