Considerations on the advances in studies on clothing products development for older adults with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Human ageing is characterized -among other factors -by limitations in Activities of Daily Life (ADLs), especially because of the impaired motor and biomechanical functioning. Due to this scenario, the manipulation of some artifacts, such as garments and their fastenings (buttons, zippers), can increase the level of difficulties to perform dressing and undressing activities. In the case of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), the current models of clothing and fastenings may lead to dissatisfaction, embarrassment or even full inability to use and complete dressing and undressing activities, compromising independence. Clothing are extensions of the body, when these are associated with physical, mental and social human's well-being. Its morphological and functional aspects -including the application of fastenings -can lead to the promotion of physical and mental health, when developed from ergonomic and usability points of view. Thus, the objective of this mini-review was to investigate the demands on the dressing and undressing activities performed by older adults with PD; and to understand how this subject is addressed in health and design studies. It was identified that the problem is a reality and that understanding the limitations found in literature can be an exceptional alternative to clothing design for a highest level of usability for users. Thus, new research approaches are proposed, especially those of exploratory and applied character, that investigate the clothing usability by older adults and, consequently, the independence promotion of people with PD in their ADLs.

Impact of Manual Coordination on Usability of Clothing Fasteners in People With Parkinson’s Disease

“…Clothing fasteners are devices that enable the opening and closing of garments, which facilitates dressing and undressing and contributes to better performance in movements and independence in manipulation (Neves et al, 2018). When misused, there is a negative effect on the interactivity, independence, pleasantness, and usability of the clothes becoming obstacles to the accomplishment of this basic activity (Marteli et al, 2019). Therefore, previous studies do not recommend zippers and buttons for people with PD due to their structure and design (Schwarz, 2006).…”

Mulheres com Parkinson: pesquisa de percepção em produtos de moda com foco no Design Centrado no Humano

“…Surpreendentemente, o zíper foi um dos aviamentos mais mencionados, enxergando de maneira geral, contrário às pesquisas desenvolvidas com homens com Parkinson, onde o velcro apareceu majoritariamente exponente, acontecendo, obviamente, essa variação à mercê do produto produzido, justamente por ser de mais fácil manipulação manual e independente, apesar de ser pouco dotado de apelo estético. Sobre isso,Marteli e Paschoarelli (2019) desenvolveram um trabalho laboratorial com 40 pessoas com Parkinson, experimentando sua…”