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Presenter: Anabella Rose

Faculty Sponsor: Douglas Eddy

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Mechanical Engineering

Session: Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM, Auditorium, A77

ABSTRACT

Hand arthritis is a debilitating disease that causes damage to various joints, limits mobility and functionality, and creates pain, all of which can severely impact patients’ quality of life and their performance of activities of daily living. While there are many adaptive aids on the market, our hypothesis is that they aren’t effective because their design doesn’t consider the proper functional limitations. For example, a tool that needs to be gripped for a long time might consider the maximum grip strength of an individual but not their ability to maintain a grip, thus leaving out a crucial part of the design. We performed a literature review and interviews of 8 individuals with hand arthritis to gather insight on the most extreme physical limitations that stem from a range of arthritis types. We also investigated how these limitations impact patients’ daily quality of life. Analysis of these results helped determine the most prevalent limitations and most important tasks that require assistance. By utilizing inclusive design principles to consider human factors, we developed a preliminary guidebook for other aid developers to consult for insights and instructions. Overall, this study underscores a need for inclusive design of adaptive aids for hand arthritis. This would allow patients with various arthritis types and abilities to use these tools, which will help them fulfill their basic physical needs and lead more independent and confident lives.