Moving, Handling, Mobilisation and Ergonomic Considerations for PwO and Implications for Physiotherapy Practice
This presentation will give an overview of key moving, handling, mobilisation and ergonomic considerations as they relate to people with obesity, when engaging with healthcare. Key implications
for physiotherapy practice are highlighted and the content of this presentation is not exhaustive.
Physiotherapy learners will need to apply relevant content from other modules in their physiotherapy programme to inform practice. Additionally, ergonomics and specifically bariatric ergonomics is an area of specialisation within physiotherapy, requiring additional training and education beyond entry level physiotherapy education.
This resource was developed for the PROMINENCE Open Education Resource (OER) by physiotherapy specialist at St Vincent's university Hospital, Dublin, Ireland and senior lecturers at University College Dublin, Ireland for the Prominence Project, 2026.
Policy Documents
These are two sample policy documents regarding manual handling and people handling in healthcare from Ireland and the United Kingdom. They include specific reference to bariatric manual handling. Equivalent policy documents are likely in your country and it is important that as a physiotherapist you are aware of such policies to inform practice.