Usefulness of a simulated experience method for transfer assistance for hemiplegia or limited range of motion in multiple joints

[Purpose] To further the understanding of dysfunctions to which a simulated experience method could be applied, we clarified whether a simulated experience method can promote caregivers to utilize the abilities of care recipients with pseudo-hemiplegia or pseudo-limited range of motion (ROM) in multiple joints. [Participants and Methods] We studied transfer assistance in 60 nursing assistants from nursing home settings: 30 were assigned to the pseudo-hemiplegia (26 females, 4 males) and limited ROM in multiple joints (27 females, 3 males) groups. One healthy person was fitted with orthotic braces to mimic hemiplegia or limited ROM in multiple joints, each making it difficult to stand-up. Participants were randomized to either a simulated experience group (involving interventional help from a physical therapist between the first and second measurements) or a control group. The load difference on the lower limbs of the care recipient between two rounds of transfer assistance was examined. [Results] The difference between the second and first measurements was −5.9 ± 74.5 N for the control group and 107.9 ± 123.6 N for the simulated experience method in the pseudo-hemiplegia study, and −14.7 ± 64.7 N and 149.1 ± 132.4 N, respectively, for the pseudo-limited ROM-in-multiple-joints study. [Conclusion] The simulated experience method promoted transfer assistance of a care recipient with pseudo-hemiplegia or pseudo-limited ROM in multiple joints. These results suggest that hemiplegia and limited ROM in multiple joints are added as dysfunctions that can be applied to a simulated experience method in transfer assistance.