A movement system (120) for use with an overhead patient lift system (100) includes a motor (124). A drum (128) is operatively coupled to the motor (124). The drum (128) is configured to be selectively driven by the motor (124) to rotate in one of a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction. A lifting strap (108) is coupled to the drum (128). The lifting strap (108) is extendable and retractable with respect to a carriage (106) of the overhead patient lifting system (100) as the drum (128) rotates. A manual release (188) operatively coupled to the drum (128) is actuatable to selectively disengage the drum (128) from the motor (124) to allow the lifting strap (108) to be manually extended. Also disclosed is an overhead patient lift system (100) including the movement system (120) and a method for manually extending a lifting strap (108) of an overhead patient lift system (100).
