| Abstract: | This paper seeks to identify, through reviewing the literature, a focus for future research on manual handling practices in neurological physiotherapy. The lack of evidence to support neurological rehabilitation in general places some treatment modalities in question. One of these is the use of the ‘pivot' assisted transfer.The introduction of the EC Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992) prompted the scrutiny of lifting and handling methods within the health sector. Some manoeuvres, such as the pivot transfer, were then condemned by various professional bodies who considered it to be physically dangerous to the handler.However, anecdotal evidence still suggests that the pivot transfer is widely used by neurological physiotherapists practising the Bobath technique. Neither the effectiveness nor outcome of this method of neurological handling has been adequately researched in light of these regulations.Similarly, there is little research on the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among neurological physiotherapists as a result of their handling methods. This literature review indicates an immediate need for further investigation of these subjects. |
