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Evaluating the PPAL Assisted Toileting Device

This study is evaluating a device called PPAL, a motorized, height-adjustable bedside commode with built-in transfer boards. It's designed to help people move to and from the toilet with less help from caregivers, which can reduce the risk of injury for both the user and caregiver. We're looking for adults aged 18 and older who have trouble getting on or off a toilet and weigh 300 pounds or less. The main goal is to see how much the PPAL improves your confidence in toileting over a six-week period in your home. The study's current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 16 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
You would use the PPAL device in your home for a six-week trial. We will measure changes in your fall efficacy (confidence in not falling) related to toileting.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your fall efficacy will be measured at the end of the six-week trial.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07221552

Evaluation of the PPAL

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalSupportive care
Alicia Koontz
~16 participants
Updated 2026-08-10 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:PPAL

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in fall efficacy with connection to toileting
Measured over Change from pre to post 6 week trial

Conditions

Age Problems

Explore related trials

Activities of daily livingFall

NCT07221552

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of Pittsburgh: Human Engineering Research Laboratories

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvaniastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Alicia M Koontz, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pittsburgh

Who to contact

Nikitha Deepak, MS
[email protected]
412-822-3669
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18 years or above
Weighs 300 pounds or less and is able to fit within the dimensions of the PPAL - Has difficulty with getting on or off a toilet or commode at any point in a typical 24-hour period
Resides in either a home, independent living residence, assisted living or extended care residence
Able to maintain sitting balance independently (without human assistance) for at least 2 minutes
If sitting for longer than 2 minutes (with or without assistance), does not get dizzy or lightheaded
Residence is able to accommodate the PPAL in the Bedroom or designated space.
Age 18 years or above
Formal/paid or informal/unpaid caregiver for the patient participant (toileter) who provides toileting assistance at least 3 days per week

Exclusion

Ventilator users
Free of acute medical events within the last 3 months
Had Stage 2 or greater pressure ulcer within the last 3 months
Upcoming planned medical procedures or surgeries in the next 3 months.
Physical limitations that prevent caregiver from manually assisting with PPAL transfer or from maneuvering the PPAL around the end-user's residence

What this trial measures

  • Change in fall efficacy with connection to toiletingChange from pre to post 6 week trial

    We aim to determine whether the use of PPAL reduces fear of falling during toileting activities. To assess this, we will utilize the Fall Concerns Scale for individuals who use Wheelchairs and Scooters (FCS-WC/S). Items are scored on a scale of concern, with 1 being "Not at all concerned" and 4 being "Very Concerned". Scores can be analyzed from specific questions, or the questionnaire as a whole. For this result we will focus on the item specifically associated with getting on/off of a toilet or commode at home. A decrease in FCS-WC/S scores at the end of the study would indicate a reduction in fear of falling.