An ergonomic comparison of three different patient transport chairs in a simulated hospital environment

The purpose of this study was to compare caregiver muscle activation and joint angles between two ergonomic transport chairs designed to mitigate discomfort and safety risks associated with patient transport, the Stryker® Prime TC and the Staxi® Medical Chair, and a depot wheelchair. Twenty-three caregivers completed level walking and ramped tasks with each device and an 84 kg manikin. Surface electromyography for the upper extremities and back muscles and motion data were collected. The Staxi showed a statistical trend for higher wrist extensor and flexor carpi ulnaris activity compared to the Stryker chair (p ≤ 0.078) and greater wrist flexion than the Stryker and depot chairs (p ≤ 0.004). The depot chair showed greater peak trunk flexion than the Stryker chair (p = 0.004). Overall results suggest that ergonomic chair design may improve joint positioning of the trunk and elbows when operating patient transport chairs over level and ramped surfaces.