Ergonomics 101

Studies have shown that when a person goes from a sitting to standing position, muscle activation begins at the hip followed by activity of the knee muscles.

Activation of the hip extensors then transfers mechanical energy into the knee extensors for knee extension and stabilization to complete the movement. To start this process, the person has to lean forward, flexing at the hips, to place the hip extensors at a biomechanical advantage and place the weight of the body over the feet. However, many patients, especially those with hip precautions, fear of falling, cognitive disorders, or other factors are unable to lean forward. This places the patient and caregiver at a disadvantage.

By lifting and moving the patient forward, the Freedom Boost brings the patient's body weight over the feet while bringing the patient into a standing position for easy transfer into a walker, wheelchair, or bed.