Biomechanical Validation of the CATT

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Aug 22, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new tool called the Caregiver Assisted Transfer Technique Instrument (CATT), which aims to help informal caregivers—those who provide unpaid care to family members or friends with disabilities—perform safe and effective transfer techniques. Many caregivers experience pain and discomfort, especially in their backs, due to improper lifting methods when helping individuals move from one surface to another, like from a bed to a wheelchair. The CATT will assess caregivers' techniques and identify any areas where they might need improvement. The goal is to make sure caregivers can do their job safely, reducing the risk of injury for both themselves and the people they assist.

To participate in this study, caregivers need to be at least 18 years old, have been providing transfer assistance for at least three months, and should not have received formal training on lifting techniques. The individuals receiving care must also be at least 18 years old, have a physical disability requiring assistance with transfers, and have been diagnosed for at least a year. Participants can expect to undergo assessments using the CATT, and if any technique deficits are found, they will receive individualized training to improve their skills. This research not only aims to validate the CATT as a useful tool but also hopes to create better training programs for caregivers in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals who use assistance with transfers and their caregivers will be recruited for this study.
• Caregiver participants will be included in the study if they meet the following criteria:
• • 1. at least 18 years old
• • 2. routinely provide transfer assistance to an adult with a physical disability
• • 3. serving as a caregiver for at least 3 months
• • 4. no formal didactic or structured training on assisted transfer techniques received as part of a professional degree or training program
• Care recipient participants will be included in the study if they meet the following criteria:
• • 1. at least 18 years old,
• • 2. has a physical disability diagnosis for at least one year
• • 3. requires assistance with transfers
• • 4. currently receives care from an informal caregiver
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Caregiver participants will be excluded if they:
• • 1) have a current or recent history of back, neck, or other type of musculoskeletal injury within the last 6 months that would be exacerbated by performing an assisted transfer
• Care recipient participants will be excluded if they:
• • 1. have existing pressure ulcers or a recent history of pressure ulcers within the last 3 months
• • 2. have any recent upper extremity injuries (within the last 6 months) that could be exacerbated by being transferred