A Novel App for Assessing the Caregivers' Physical Activity: A Pilot/Feasibility Study.
Yoo Seok Jeong, Dong Rak Kwon, Sang Won Kim and 2 others
PMID 36575868WHAT IT FOUND
Muscle strength test values did not change over 6 weeks, although a wearable app was feasible for 23 caregivers.
Key findings
01All 23 caregivers used the app for 6 weeks and completed the usability survey.
02Maximal voluntary isometric contraction values did not differ before and after the study.
03Shoulder muscle activity was highest during reposition (mean %MVIC 51.70), and back muscle activity was highest during feeding (mean %MVIC 63.91).
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study included only 23 female caregivers from one long-term nursing care facility and two residential homes, so it may not apply to other caregivers or settings. All participants used the app, and changes were compared only before and after use, so the study cannot show that the app caused any change. The authors note the sample size was small and the study period was short, so long-term effects are unknown. Participants had to be able to communicate and understand questions, work at least 4 days per week, and have no musculoskeletal disorder before working as caregivers, so caregivers with existing injuries or different work patterns were not included.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. The work was supported by the Translational Research program for Care robots.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as evidence that the app prevents caregiver musculoskeletal injury or improves patient care. It was a 6-week feasibility study in 23 caregivers, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction values did not differ before and after the study.