Evaluating caregiver transfer techniques for individuals with disabilities
Biomechanical Validation of the Caregiver Assisted Transfer Technique Instrument
This study is testing how well caregivers help people with physical disabilities move and whether training can improve their techniques and reduce injuries.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06013878 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess the quality of transfer techniques used by informal caregivers who assist individuals with physical disabilities. It will establish the reliability and validity of the Caregiver Assisted Transfer Technique (CATT) assessment tool and evaluate the impact of individualized training on caregivers with identified technique deficits. The study will involve measuring caregiver characteristics and biomechanical outcomes to understand the relationship between caregiver health and transfer technique quality. Participants will include both caregivers and care recipients, with a focus on improving caregiver skills and reducing injury risk.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include informal caregivers aged 18 and older who assist adults with physical disabilities and have not received formal training in transfer techniques.
Not a fit: Patients who have received formal training in assisted transfer techniques or those with recent musculoskeletal injuries may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the safety and effectiveness of caregiver-assisted transfers, reducing injury risk for both caregivers and care recipients.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored caregiver training and biomechanics, this specific approach using the CATT tool is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alicia M Koontz, PhD — VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
- Study coordinator: Alicia M Koontz, PhD
- Email: Alicia.Koontz@va.gov
- Phone: (412) 383-6596
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.