The development of an adaptive device for children with a hand impairment

Abstract

Children with mild symbrachydactyly (<4 missing fingers) are considered to have a low-degree of functional impairment. In this study, we suggest an adaptive device and evaluate the device on its beneficiary effects. Five children (age 6–10) are fitted with a prototype and are asked to train with the device at home for a period of three weeks. The SHAP-C test is used to measure the level of functionality of the healthy hand, the impaired hand and the prototype of the adaptive device. With the SHAP-C, no additional beneficial effects of the device were measured. However, children tended to use the device well for specific activities such as holding a fork during dinner. Also, three out of five reacted positively on the colourful design of the prototype adaptive device, wanting to show the device to family, friends and classmates. The results provide feedback for further improvements of adaptive devices to enhance motoric functionality and empower children with mild to severe symbrachydactyly.