A domestic assistive device for rheumatoid hands

Abstract

A domestic aid capable of squeezing water from a dishcloth is currently not available and such a task is performed in most households. The need for such a device was investigated. To establish the need, 54 rheumatoid arthritis patients were surveyed through a structured questionnaire for hand impairment and difficulty in this task. While 27% of the participants reported normal hand ability, 28% had minimal impairment, 39% moderate impairment, and 7% severe impairment. Sixty-one percent reported having difficulty with their hands and wrists. The mobility deficit was the cause of difficulty among 59%, and strength deficit in 80%. Ninety-three percent of patients had difficulty due to pain. The activity was avoided by 43%. If a device was available, 74% would use it. A water-squeezing device was designed and a prototype fabricated which eliminated finger and wrist stress in this task.