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Development and Usability Testing of a Finger Grip Enhancer for the Elderly

Authors :
Dominic Wen How Tan
Poh Kiat Ng
Ervina Efzan Mhd Noor
Adi Saptari
Chee Chen Hue
Yu Jin Ng
Source :
Robotics, Vol 11, Iss 1, p 5 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2021.

Abstract

As people age, their finger function deteriorates due to muscle, nerve, and brain degeneration. While exercises might delay this deterioration, an invention that enhances elderly people’s pinching abilities is essential. This study aims to design and develop a finger grip enhancer that facilitates the day-to-day pinching activities of elderly people. This research is an extension of a previous study that conceptualised a finger grip enhancer. The device facilitates finger flexion on the thumb and index finger, and weighs 520 g, allowing for improved portability and sufficient force exertion (13.9 N) for day-to-day pinching. To test for usability, eleven subjects aged 65 years and above performed a pinch-lift-hold test on various household objects. The pinch force before and after utilising the device was measured. Using Minitab 18, the statistical significance of using this device was analysed with a paired-samples t-test. With this device, the elderly people’s pinching abilities significantly improved in both pinch force and pinch force steadiness (p < 0.05). The proposed device has the potential to enhance elderly people’s quality of life by supporting a firm pinch in the handling of everyday objects. This research has applicational value in developing exoskeleton devices for patients who require rehabilitation.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22186581
Volume :
11
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Robotics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.bcb209c413304bfc8f62ea561a1b521f
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics11010005