The PPAL® SUMMARY
Bedside commode chairs are prescribed for older adults with mobility disabilities who are unable
to access a bathroom, or to avoid the risk of falling either on their way to a bathroom or in a
bathroom. Yet, bedside commode chairs, as currently designed, present their own risk for falls.
The “PPAL®” takes a novel and innovative approach that addresses that fall risk by resolving the
transfer difficulties associated with using commodes. It re-conceptualizes the bedside commode
as an elevating chair with an integral transfer board. With a securely affixed transfer board
connected to a seat that is elevated by an internal motorized lift, the commode will provide a
stable and “always downhill” transfer pathway, regardless of the height of the adjacent bed or
wheelchair transfer surface. In doing so, PPAL® enables adults aging with lower extremity
weakness to safely self-toilet, thereby lowering their risk of falling and reducing caregiver burden.
To ensure the success of all three phases of this SBIR, the project will be a collaborative
effort between the applicant, QUA Inc., which holds the PPAL® patent, and Georgia Tech’s
Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation, which has extensive experience in design and testing
of assistive technologies to facilitate toilet transfers by older adults. Phase 1 will refine the transfer
interface based on the results of pilot testing of an earlier prototype and demonstrate feasibility of
the refined design. Phase 2 will maximize the static and dynamic load of the PPAL® up to 350
pounds, test for use in wheelchair-commode transfers, refine the motorized elevating feature,
fabricate the beta prototype, conduct rapid cycle testing to demonstrate efficacy of the prototype,
and identify a commercialization partner. Phase 3 will commercialize the product.
Specific aims of this Phase 1 SBIR project are: 1) Design and fabricate a medium fidelity non-
motorized prototype that responds to the problems identified with the transfer interface in the initial
pilot testing; 2) Conduct safety testing to demonstrate technical feasibility of the refined design
based on load capacity of 250 pound minimum and stability in which the board remains in constant
contact with both bed and chair surfaces during simulated transfers by occupational therapists;
and 3) Conduct user testing to demonstrate usability feasibility as measured by expert observation
of transfer difficulty and safety, self-reported user acceptance and increased independence
compared to a traditional transfer board.
Phase 1 will produce a prototype with a transfer interface that is feasible based on safety and
usability as well as provide the necessary data to power effectiveness testing in Phase 2.
