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Introduction: Studies show a high prevalence of back, shoulder and neck pain among caregivers. Moving hospital beds is a strenuous tasks for caregivers, especially due to heavy weights and long distances involved. To relieve the caregivers, motorised castors have been developed. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a motorised castor on the action force and posture when moving hospital beds.

Methods: Thirteen test participants (5 male, 8 female) performed standardised pushing and pulling activities with a hospital bed in a hospital environment (corridor, elevator, turns, ramps). The bed was moved manually and with a motorised castor. Hand action forces were measured using 3D force measurement grips. Posture was recorded using an Xsens motion analysis system. The sagittal trunk inclination was then analysed. User acceptance was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the subjective perception of strain using the Borg CR10 scale. In addition, t-tests and Wilcoxon tests were performed to analyse significant differences in peak and mean values between the methods of bed movement (manual, assist).

Results: A significant reduction in the peak forces (over 9 intervals) and in the mean forces (over all 13 intervals) was identified with the motorised castor (p < 0.001). The motorised castor reduced forces by up to 43% (push start on ramp). A significant reduction in the peak trunk inclinations (over 9 intervals) and in the mean trunk inclinations (over 10 intervals) was identified with the motorised castor (p < 0.038). The trunk inclination was reduced by up to 40% (right turn). The test participants rated the usability for moving the bed manually as “OK” and the physical workload as “severe” to “very severe”. With the powered castor the usability was rated as “best imaginable” and the physical workload as “slight”.

Discussion: Hospital beds equipped with electrically powered motorised castors significantly reduce musculoskeletal strain during pushing and pulling – especially in high-strain situations such as navigating ramps. The more upright posture can reduce the risk of injury for caregivers. The high user acceptance and the low perception of strain due to the motorised castor can increase work motivation and satisfaction. There is still great potential for the motorised castor to reduce the peak values for unplanned stops.

Conclusion: The results indicate that fewer nursing staff are required with an electrically motorised castor. Economic losses due to sick days and reduced productivity could be minimised.