Availability, suitability and use of trapeze bar in nursing care context
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37914/riis.v9.494Keywords:
nursing, rehabilitation, assistive devices, tertiary preventionAbstract
Background: the trapeze bar plays a crucial role in promoting patient mobility and autonomy, thereby helping to prevent various complications associated with immobility. Objectives: to analyse the availability, suitability, and use of the trapeze bar by patients, and to examine the relationship between its use and nursing interventions, muscle strength, level of consciousness, and the ability to follow commands. Methodology: a quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with a convenience sample of 106 patients monitored by nursing students. Data were collected via an online questionnaire. Results: most patients (86.79%) had access to a trapeze bar, but only 55.66% used it. The device was most effectively used for repositioning (49.06%) and transfers (33.02%). A statistically significant association was found between trapeze use and muscle strength, level of consciousness, and the ability to follow commands. Nursing interventions, including education, training, and guidance, significantly increased device usage. Perceptions of human and material resources did not significantly influence its use. Conclusion: despite high availability, trapeze bar usage remains limited. Muscle strength, cognitive function, and educational nursing interventions are key determinants of effective use. Systematic functional assessment and patient empowerment by nurses are essential to maximize the benefits of the trapeze bar.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Guilherme Busano, João Santos, Marco Brígido, Pedro Gaspar
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