Validation of the Caregiver Assisted Transfer Technique Instrument and Training Program for Informal Caregivers Assisting Adults with Physical Disabilities

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the Caregiver Assisted Transfer Technique Instrument CATT, a tool designed to objectively assess the transfer techniques of informal caregivers assisting adults with physical disabilities. The study aims to establish the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the CATT and to assess the impact of individualized training for caregivers who have transfer skill deficits. This research addresses the significant issue of musculoskeletal discomfort and injury among informal caregivers who assist with daily living activities, particularly transfers, which often lack formal training and objective evaluation methods. Participants include informal caregivers and the individuals they assist with transfers. The study involves baseline questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and biomechanical assessments using wireless sensors and pressure insoles while participants perform transfers between wheelchairs and various surfaces. Three expert raters evaluate caregiver transfer techniques using the CATT during live transfers and video recordings. Caregivers identified with skill deficits will receive individualized training from a clinician expert in transfer techniques, followed by reassessment to measure improvements. Participant involvement includes completing surveys on health and pain, performing transfer tasks with biomechanical monitoring, and undergoing evaluations by trained raters. Those with identified deficits receive personalized training sessions with opportunities to practice new techniques. Researchers collect and analyze data on transfer technique quality and biomechanical measures before and after intervention to determine changes. The study duration includes initial assessments and a follow-up within 24 to 72 hours, with ongoing data collection managed through an online system. The primary outcome is the change in CATT scores from baseline to one week post-intervention.

Biomechanical Validation of the Caregiver Assisted Transfer Technique Instrument