Designed & created by
Gavin Wright
Terms & Conditions 30 Smilie, Peterlee, Co.Durham, England. SR8 4AN e-mail
Have you noticed that many people have different methods of using slide sheets. If you work with someone for the first time, one of the first questions asked is “which method do you use?” It is interesting to note that although there has been no research into the benefits the various techniques, there is no shortage of opinions for one method over another.
Karen Bangs
For instance, The Guide to the Handling of People 6th edition (HOP 6) mentions one technique on page 140 and makes no reference at all of any other methods. HOP4 (page 144) describes a variation of the same method. HOP 5 (page 227) again gives a slight variation over HOP4 in that it describes a different positioning of the slide sheet. It describes almost identically the method mentioned in HOP 6 but gives an alternative regarding how to achieve the objective. The first method describes weight transfer without moving the
feet, the second gives the handler the option of stepping backwards. There is an interesting statement highlighted on page 227 where an outright statement is made with absolute certainty, “On no account should the handlers on each side of the bed face each other during a supine slide up the bed. This will lead to rotation of the spine and possibly lateral flexion while pulling a load.”
The statement is in bold because it is a bold statement.... Bold in the sense that as previously stated, there has been no studies to prove this even though there are a huge number of people who claim the they feel that opposite is true....Until now.
The study, has been performed by Karen Bangs Back Care and Ergonomics Advisor for Winchester & Eastleigh NHS Trust using electromyography (EMG) to compare the muscular task demand in the shoulder and trunk for some of the commonly used slide sheet techniques. There were 4 hypothesis’ that Karen was aiming for
- All slide sheet techniques carried out at the side of the bed are likely to cause some degree of asymmetrical loading or axial rotation (twisting)
- The face to face techniques are likely to result in the largest degree of axial rotation
- One-handed techniques are likely to place greater muscular demand on the shoulder
- Two-handed techniques at the head of the bed are likely to result in lower muscular demand within the shoulder and avoid asymmetrical loading and axial rotation
The EMG and Borg data will then be analysed for relationship to determine whether perceived exertion correlates with actual exertion. The research was carried out at the University of Derby towards the end of last month. Interpretation of the figures is currently in progress. I for one, am eagerly anticipating the results, in fact, I am delaying the progress of my next video until the results are made available. Watch this space for future developments.
Comment received
Hi all,
Re HOP 5 “On no account should the handlers on each side of the bed face each other during a supine slide up the bed. This will lead to rotation of the spine and possibly lateral flexion while pulling a load", Can I refer you to Column vol 19.2 Summer 2007 p18 Handling of people important notice.
Erratum p227 right hand column insert"without space to sidestep" after "face each other" To me this suggests that we can face each other as long as we do not have a static base.
Name and address supplied but withheld
My Reply
Hello *****,
I agree with you. In all my videos I have shown face to face, in fact in my last video I described advantages over the previously mentioned suggestion. That is why Karen has introduced BORG into the equation so she can see if the percieved exertion is a reality or not. It will be interesting to see the results when they are published.
Comment received
Glad that the erratum notice has been included as in my opinion I can train people to perform the slide more safely if they face each other (my background is Manutention, and from Australia) however the other key to me is how the sheet is gripped as this can also change the biomechanics.... food for thought.
Susan Mitchell, Glasgow