Background: Elderly people with severe finger weakness may need assistive health technology interventions. Finger weakness impedes the elderly in executing activities of daily living such as unbuttoning shirts and opening clothes pegs. While studies have related finger weakness with ageing effects, there appears to be no research that uses an algorithmic problem-solving approach such as the theory of inventive problem-solving (TRIZ) to recommend finger grip assistive technologies that resolve the issue of finger weakness among the elderly. Using TRIZ, this study aims to conceptualise finger grip enhancer designs for elderly people. Methods: Several TRIZ tools such as the cause-and-effect chain (CEC) analysis, engineering contradiction, physical contradiction, and substance-field analysis are used to conceptualise solutions that assist elderly people in their day-to-day pinching activities. Results: Based on the segmentation principle, a finger assistant concept powered by a miniature linear actuator is recommended. Specific product development processes are used to further conceptualise the actuation system. The study concluded that the chosen concept should use a DC motor to actuate fingers through tendon cables triggered by a push start button. Conclusions: Finger pinch degradation worsens the quality of life of the elderly. A finger grip enhancer that assists in day-to-day activities may be an effective option for elderly people, not only for their physical but also their mental well-being in society.
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.
Background: Among the workers in the catering industry, the chef is reported to have the highest prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD).Even though working posture was documented as one of the risk factors, the analysis of working posture and musculoskeletal pain was not extensively studied in Malaysia.
Objectives:The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal painand to assess the working posture to determine the risk of getting musculoskeletal disorders among restaurant chef.
Methodology:This cross-sectional study was completed with convenience sampling of restaurant chef from Johor and Melaka state. Musculoskeletal pain was recorded using aGeneral questionnaire of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and working posture was assessed by the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA).Results: Total of 126 participants were analysed in this study. Ankle and foot pain (59.5%), Lower back pain (52.4%) and shoulder pain (48.5%) was the most prevalent pain among restaurant chefs. The majority (64.3%) of the participants having a medium risk of getting musculoskeletal disorders as per the REBA score.
Conclusion:All the chefs in this study reported musculoskeletal pain. As the majority of them are having a medium risk of developing WMSD proper ergonomic education and job modification has to be considered for the prevention of musculoskeletal pain.
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