Abstract: Medical lifting devices and methods are disclosed. A lifting support device includes a garment configured to be worn by a user and at least one sensory feedback element. The sensory feedback element is coupled to the garment and is configured to provide sensory feedback to the user. The sensory feedback encourages the user to adopt an appropriate posture during a lifting operation. A lifting vest includes a load transfer element, a posture compliance element, a coupling device, and at least one sensory feedback element. The load transfer element is configured to transfer a weight of a load to a point over shoulders of a user and down to a lower torso of the user. The posture compliance element is configured to passively or actively enforce an appropriate back posture. The coupling device is configured to connect the load-transfer element to the postural compliance element.

Abstract: Medical lifting devices and methods are disclosed. A medical lifting device includes a brace and at least one strap. The brace is adapted to be positioned against the back of a patient. The brace has a pair of opposed lateral edges. The at least one strap extends from each lateral edge of the brace. The at least one strap has a length sufficient to enable a user of the device to grasp each strap while the user is standing with the user's torso in an upright position and the patient is in a seated position. A method of lifting a patient with the brace includes positioning the brace against the back of a patient, grasping each strap while standing in an upright position and while the patient is in a seated position, and pulling on each strap to lift the patient to a standing position.