Clinical
Research on Products
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Uplift Seat Assist Client Trials
- Device was used in nine client trials.
- Ages ranged from 27 to 83 years old.
- Height ranged from 5' 2" to 5' 9".
- Conditions tested included:
- Muscular dystrophy with lower and upper extremity weakness,
- Muscular dystrophy with ataxia and incoordination,
- Cerebral palsy (not recommended by manufacturer), with spastic quadriparesis.
- Osteoarthritis of the knees and hips,
- Rheumatoid arthritis of the upper and lower extremity joints and spine,
- General weakness due to advanced age.
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Dependability/Safety
This device operated as instructed.
As
outlined in the brochure, it was found to be safe when used
on a stable base. If a wheeled base was used, wheels have
to be locked as outlined in the brochure.
The Uplift Seat Assist did slide back with one client when
she sat down. This person had high tone and weighed 215 lbs.
(client 8) which we believe accounted for this.
Based on our trials, we found the device
safe and dependable when used on a chesterfield with one arm
rest available to push up on or on a soft living room chair
with two arm rests
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Operability
The
device must be placed as instructed so that it does not interfere
with the back of the chair. It can be operated in a wheelchair
which is 16" or 15" deep. The depth of the wheelchair
must be accommodated for, (shortened) since positioning the
front lip of the Uplift Seat Assist in front of the seat increases
the seat depth. This causes the cushion to protrude into the
space behind the knee. It is important that there is a I"
to 2" gap at the end of the upholstery so pressure does
not develop behind the knees. A 16" deep wheelchair is
standard adult size and the wheelchair seat depth should be
decreased to 14" or 15" to accommodate the Uplift
Seat Assist protrusion at the front of the seat. Although
the literature states the device is not recommended for use
on a sofa or chesterfield, the device worked well on any soft
surfaced chair such as a living room chair or chesterfield
which we tried. On any solid seat chair such as a dining room
chair, the device raises the person at least 2" off the
ground and therefore poor positioning results. Since feet
must be flat on the floor for good balance & posture,
the chair height has to be lowered, table raised or a footrest
used.
It can be operated on any wheeled chair but that device must
have locks on the wheels as explained in the brochure. The
Uplift Seat Assist was found to be comfortable by all clients
who evaluated the products.
In summary:
1. Solid seat chairs have to be adapted
for clients depending on their height and the type of chair.
2. Wheelchair seat depth must be shortened to accommodate
device and prevent pressure developing behind the knees.
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Environmentally
Compatible
The literature was
clear with regards to the intended used of this device. The
speed of lifting remained the same for all clients and it
was at a safe speed. Transferring this device from one chair
to another was possible for individuals with good upper extremity
strength. It seemed more suited to permanent use in one chair.
Learnability
All clients understood the instructions
and they were easy to follow. Based on our clinical trials,
we believe the device has potential use on chesterfields and
sofas.
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Portability
Disassembly and assembly of the Uplift Seat
Assist requires good upper body strength and co-ordination.
The majority of the clients tested did not have this and the
therapist set the weight toggle. These people would be dependent
on a caregiver to perform the set-up. However, once set up
it could remain permanently on their favourite chair so this
is not a limitation. It would be easier to transfer this device
from chair to chair within the same room of a house rather
than longer distances. All clients found it heavy to carry
and awkward to grasp. The entire weight of the device is placed
on the fingers which are held in a static hook position with
puts stress on all finger joints. People with large hands
had difficulty fitting their fingers through the handle. A
suggested solution may be to provide a carrying sack with
a wide shoulder strap.
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General
Comments
1. Some of our clients would benefit from having an incontinence
cover which would protect the cushion from moisture and urine.
All our clients would benefit from a washable cover. Any food
spillage or urine on this cushion over time would cause this
device to deteriorate. It may be sensible to offer an extra
cover as an option so one could be washed while one is being
used.
2. The V-Foam cushion appears more resilient to compression
over time which would be expected. All clients felt both cushions
were comfortable during their trials. All trials were done
for periods of less than one hour except one which took place
over 3 days.
3. The Uplift Seat Assist was able to help persons to raise
themselves from a low surface to a partial standing position
and then they must use their lower body strength to stand
up or push up with their arms. Some of our clients lack the
extension that is required to stand up after the device did
the initial lifting. They felt stuck at the position where
the Uplift Seat Assist left them. This device is helpful for
patients who have difficulty getting out of low chairs. The
Uplift Seat Assist allows them to initiate the first part
of the movement and they then can use their legs or arms and
legs to get up the last part of the range.
4. When added to a firm seat the device changes the distance
from the floor to the seat level (2") So one must adjust
the seat height of the chair to accommodate the lift device
on a solid seat. On a wheelchair one must also adjust the
footrest height, and arm rest height. Usually this is not
difficult to do. Also one must be aware that adding the Uplift
Seat Assist to a firm seat or wheelchair seat will change
the seat depth on the chair which has to be accommodated.
5. Although the manufacturer does not recommend
it, we found this device particularly useful on soft low chesterfields
or chairs for patients with proximal lower extremity weakness
and some upper extremity weakness. The soft chair did have
two armrests and the chesterfield had only one armrest near
enough for the client to use. Many people may adapt their
beds or chairs by raising the legs but this device allows
them to be independent on holidays or visiting as well as
at home.
6. It was useful with clients with general
weakness and lower extremity weakness. It was not helpful
for clients we tried with spasticity.
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Occupational
Therapists Involved in Study
Report
completed: February 21st, 1996 by:
Laurie J. Brown, B.Sc. O.T. (C)
Neurospinal and Stroke Services
Francine Olivier, B.Sc. O.T. (C)
Young Adult Team
Elizabeth A. Boyd, M.Sc. O.T. (C)
Senior Research Clinician
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