Development and Clinical Evaluation of Bed with Standing-Up Function

Abstract

The risk of disuse syndrome caused by prolonged supine posture in hemiplegic stroke in- and outpatients has become a social problem. This study aimed to develop a new bed with a standing-up function, allowing medical caregivers and patients to freely take a standing position on the bed to reduce the amount of time spent in the supine position and to clarify its effectiveness through evaluation of its usability and clinical use. In addition to the Gatch function of the developed bed, it allows transition from a supine position to a chair-sitting or standing position on the bed, and from a standing position to walking action. In addition, as with the tilt table used for standing-position training, the bed’s tilt angle can be adjusted, reducing the load on the lower limbs and allowing appropriate rehabilitation to be carried out anytime, consequently reducing the burden of nursing care. The bed was developed with the cooperation of a specialized bed manufacturer and supported by public funds, and clinical evaluation was conducted after confirming its safety. We evaluated the physical and physiological functions of two hemiplegic patients after 4 weeks of standing training using a prototype bed, to which results from the six-item test showed no significant improvement. However, medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and physical therapists, who participated in the clinical evaluation indicated that the bed can safely replace the tilt table for standing-position rehabilitation, and it is effective in eliminating related human and time burdens.