Action and lumbar forces during hospital bed handling: A comparative study

BackgroundNursing staff show a higher-than-average prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders compared with other occupational groups. Moving hospital beds is among the most physically demanding nursing tasks. However, the influence of hospital bed design on the musculoskeletal strain experienced by nursing personnel during bed movement has not been sufficiently investigated.ObjectiveThis study examined the action and compressive forces (L5/S1) generated while moving twelve different hospital beds.MethodsEight participants moved the beds along a test course resembling a hospital ward. Action forces were measured using three-dimensional force measurement grips, and a motion analysis system recorded the participants' postures during the task. Based on these recordings, compressive forces at the lumbosacral junction (L5/S1) were calculated using the biodynamic model "The Dortmunder".ResultsMedian peak action forces ranged from 157.3 N to 240.0 N during bed acceleration and from 49.6 N to 92.4 N during steady movement. In several cases, the calculated compressive forces at L5/S1 exceeded the guideline value of 1.8 kN for 60-year-old female employees, indicating a moderately to substantially increased load for nursing staff.ConclusionDesign features such as a fifth caster on the hospital bed can reduce physical strain. Bed movers or active casters should be employed for frequent bed transport, long-distance pushing, or when the staff includes older employees or individuals with preexisting musculoskeletal conditions.