Citation

Tan, Dominic Wen How and Ng, Poh Kiat and Mhd Noor, Ervina Efzan and Saptari, Adi and Hue, Chee Chen and Ng, Yu Jin (2022) Development and Usability Testing of a Finger Grip Enhancer for the Elderly. Robotics, 11 (1). p. 5. ISSN 2218-6581

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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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Finger, elderly, ergonomics, pinch assistant, pinch force, usability
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GT Manners and customs (General) > GT1-7070 Manners and customs > GT495-499 Human body and its parts. Personal beauty
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET)
Depositing User:	Ms Nurul Iqtiani Ahmad
Date Deposited:	03 Feb 2022 03:34
Last Modified:	03 Feb 2022 03:34
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/9930

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