Restraints: does position make a difference?

Abstract

Restraints have been used to immobilize the mentally ill since the Middle Ages. However, no one has addressed restraint position as an important factor in outcome. In this study, 20 patients (25 trials) were restrained supine or prone to see how quickly behavior was brought under control. The fewer hours that patients were restrained was presumed to be more therapeutic. The difference between supine or prone restraint was 3.2 hours, with supine being the longer. The difference was nonsignificant. Despite statistical nonsignificance, the difference was believed to be important for nursing staff.