Examining the Effectiveness of Ergonomics and Exercise Training in Caregivers

Family and formal caregivers of partially or fully dependent individuals repeatedly perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting, transferring, repositioning, and hygiene care. These tasks increase biomechanical loading and place caregivers at high risk of musculoskeletal complaints, which in turn increase perceived caregiver burden, burnout, and fatigue. Interventions for this population have most often been limited to information leaflets or theoretical instruction, and the active exercise component has usually been absent. Furthermore, teaching safe transfer techniques alone may be insufficient when caregivers lack the muscle strength, trunk (core) stability, and flexibility required to perform those techniques.