Sit-To-Stand Lift: Effects of Lifted Height on Weight Borne and Upper Extremity Strength Requirements.

To prevent back and shoulder injuries to nursing personnel, sit-to-stand lifts are used to transfer partial-weight-bearing patients with upper extremity strength. However, the weight-bearing capacity and upper extremity strength required of patients have not been defined. The objectives of this study were to determine: (a) the percentage of body weight borne by the patient when lifted to different heights in the lift and (b) whether a patient needs upper extremity strength.