Dr. Chris Glibert DPT, a pediatric physical therapist, has developed and brought to market a patent-pending manual assistance transfer device. Glibert utilized his Northwestern University educational background to solve a problem he frequently encountered as a full-time school-based physical therapist.

Glibert found himself training and assisting staff in a variety of dependent transfers so that students would have the opportunity to learn in a multitude of environments and positions throughout the school day. Glibert soon discovered that both manual and mechanical transfers had their drawbacks. Mechanical transfers were cumbersome, expensive, and time consuming; additionally, many classrooms and restrooms could not accommodate the space these lifts required. Manual transfers were quick and efficient, but Glibert felt that the educational staff did not always abide by proper body mechanics, reducing the safety and increasing the chance of injury during transfers.

After designing and testing several prototypes, Glibert developed the Lift and Transfer Belt (LATbelt) as a compromise between mechanical and manual transfers. This easy-to-use, compact, cost-effective solution is a heavy duty gait belt that seamlessly connects to secured thigh straps. With this belt, two staff members can complete side-by-side or front-to-back dependent transfers in a standardized, safe manner.

The LATbelt is commonly used in conjunction with diagnoses of muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and various spinal cord injuries. With this device, transfers can be conducted between the following: mat tables, wheelchairs, beds, vehicles, gait trainers, chairs, changing tables, standers, and toilets.

The LATbelt is currently being utilized by school districts across the United States. It also has implication for use in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, acute rehabilitation centers, home healthcare, adaptive sports, and recreational therapy.

To learn more, visit LATbelt.com.