Date of Award
7-2013
Document Status
Open Access
Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Occupational Therapy (M.S.)
Department
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
This study analyzed the pressure and force required to cut an object with a standard kitchen knife and two adaptive knives. Occupational therapists recommend adaptive utensils such as kitchen knives. The appropriate tool or adaptive device reduces joint force and pressure and helps keep joints properly aligned to reduce pain during daily activities for individuals with arthritis. This research seeks to add to the body of knowledge to support the use of adapted equipment. Methods: Thirty-three participants were included in this study. Data were collected using a hand sensor and software made by Novel Pliance-X. This tool was found to be reliable and valid (Lai & Li-Tsang, 2009). Results: Researchers found that the DuoGlide offset slicer knife required significantly less pressure to cut as compared to a standard kitchen knife and a knife with a handle at 90°. The DuoGlide also required significantly less force to cut with than knife with a handle at 90°. The knife with a handle at 90° required significantly more pressure and force to cut with than the standard knife and the DuoGlide. The majority of participants reported that they preferred the DuoGlide compared to the other two knives. Conclusion: These results do not support the literature in tool design that tools with perpendicular handles to the push pull direction require less pressure and force to use than tools with straight handles (Seo, Armstrong, & Young, 2010). Overall, this research indicates that the DuoGlide offset slicer knife requires the least pressure and force and may be recommended to individuals with arthritis.
ScholarWorks Citation
Hudecz, Melissa S.; Schaefer, Lillian A.; and Simon, Katherine A., "Hand Pressure and Force: Adapted Knives Compared to a Straight Knife" (2013). Hand and Upper Extremity. 2.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/ot_hand/2
