Novel lateral transfer assist robot decreases the difficulty of transfer in post-stroke hemiparesis patients: a pilot study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the novel lateral transfer assist robot facilitates easier transfers compared with a wheelchair in post-stroke hemiparesis patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 20 post-stroke hemiparesis patients, and the task difficulty of transfers was compared between a wheelchair and lateral transfer assist robot. All participants were asked to transfer from either wheelchair or lateral transfer assist robot to a platform table and back. The primary outcome was the transfer score of the Functional Independence Measure. The secondary outcome was the time required for transfer. Results: The transfer score of the Functional Independence Measure was significantly higher with lateral transfer assist robot than with wheelchair (p <.001). The transfer times from these devices to a platform table and back showed no significant differences (to device from platform table: 7.8 s, lateral transfer assist robot vs 7.6 s, wheelchair, p >.05: device to platform table: 7.1 s, lateral transfer assist robot vs 8.0 s, wheelchair, p >.05). Conclusions: Transfer with a lateral transfer assist robot is easier than with wheelchair and facilitates independence in post-stroke hemiparesis patients.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Transfer skill influences the functional independence and quality of life of a wheelchair user A novel structural mobility device—the lateral transfer assist robot (LTAR)—can facilitate transfers The LTAR could improve the degree of independence for transfers than the wheelchair, without any time loss, in post-stroke hemiparesis patients The LTAR could potentially reduce the risk for falls in various medical and care facilities.