Effects of using the Step2Bed on bed transfer time, forces, balance and perceived effort in older adults

• The Step2Bed helps to reduce ground reaction forces and muscle co-contraction during bed egress. • Using the Step2Bed can increase safety during bed transfers by decreasing transfer time and effort. • The use of assistive devices at home may assist with aging-in-place and when transitioning home from inpatient health care settings. The Step2Bed (S2B) is an adjustable step stool with a handrail that can improve safety during entry and exit from higher beds. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare bed entry and exit time, ground reaction forces (GRF), balance and perceived effort of older adults with and without the S2B. Thirty-five participants transferred on and off a plinth while using the S2B with handrail (S2B+H), without handrail (S2B-H), and without the S2B (control). Egress time was significantly less when using the S2B+H compared to control ( p < 0.001). S2B trials resulted in smaller ground reaction forces (all p < 0.05). Perceived effort was significantly less when using the S2B (all p < 0.05). These results show that the Step2Bed may increase ease of bed transfers and safety, promoting aging-in-place.