Effects of Brake Pedal Horizontal Location of Hospital Beds on Force Exertions and Work Efficiency

Abstract

The brake pedal on hospital beds is critical during bed maneuvering, however, substantial force and awkward postures are usually required during pedal engagement tasks. Nine professional caregivers were recruited to investigate how brake pedal horizontal location affected maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force, acceptable force to engage the pedal (AFE), force efficiency and task completion time. The results demonstrated reduced MVC, AFE and force efficiency whereas increased task completion time with greater pedal depths. Pedal depth was significantly correlated with MVC, force efficiency and task completion time and these correlations are moderate (0.25≤r<0.50) or good (0.50≤r<075). These findings provide important information for hospital bed design.