Try the PPAL powered bedside commode to make toileting transfers safer
Development and Evaluation of PPAL Bedside Commode for Safe Independent Toileting Transfers
This six-week at-home test will try a powered, height-adjustable PPAL bedside commode to see if it helps adults who have trouble transferring to a toilet with less physical help from caregivers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT07221552 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study provides a PPAL powered, height-adjustable commode with integrated transfer boards to participants for a six-week at-home trial and tracks its real-world use. An initial home visit screens the environment, documents current transfer methods, and confirms that both the participant and caregiver are appropriate candidates. During the trial the research team monitors device use, caregiver involvement, safety events, and user-reported ease of transfers. Data collection emphasizes functional transfer outcomes, caregiver burden, and any adverse events related to transfers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (age ≥18) who weigh 300 pounds or less, have difficulty getting on or off a toilet or commode, can sit independently for at least two minutes, live in a home or assisted residence, and have an available caregiver.
Not a fit: People who use ventilators, have recent acute medical events or stage 2+ pressure ulcers within three months, have planned surgeries in the next three months, cannot sit independently, or exceed the device size or weight limits are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the PPAL could enable greater independence for toileting, reduce caregiver effort, and lower the risk of transfer-related injuries.
How similar studies have performed: There is limited published evidence for powered bedside commodes with integrated transfer boards, making this application relatively novel rather than widely proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Toileter Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or above * Weighs 300 pounds or less and is able to fit within the dimensions of the PPAL - Has difficulty with getting on or off a toilet or commode at any point in a typical 24-hour period * Resides in either a home, independent living residence, assisted living or extended care residence * Able to maintain sitting balance independently (without human assistance) for at least 2 minutes * If sitting for longer than 2 minutes (with or without assistance), does not get dizzy or lightheaded * Residence is able to accommodate the PPAL in the Bedroom or designated space. Toileter Exclusion Criteria: * Ventilator users * Free of acute medical events within the last 3 months * Had Stage 2 or greater pressure ulcer within the last 3 months * Upcoming planned medical procedures or surgeries in the next 3 months. Caregiver Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or above * Formal/paid or informal/unpaid caregiver for the patient participant (toileter) who provides toileting assistance at least 3 days per week Caregiver Exclusion Criteria: -Physical limitations that prevent caregiver from manually assisting with PPAL transfer or from maneuvering the PPAL around the end-user's residence
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh: Human Engineering Research Laboratories — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alicia M Koontz, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Nikitha Deepak, MS
- Email: NID51@pitt.edu
- Phone: 412-822-3669
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.