2023 Volume 19 Issue 1 Pages 230-235
Purpose: For patients forced to use only one hand, closing a zipper is challenging. Therefore, we developed a self-help device that uses a string and clothespins; the device stretches the zipper, allowing the individual to close it easily with one hand. We aimed to 1) demonstrate the effectiveness of this device by comparing the zipper closing motion when the device is used (“usage motion”) with that when it is not used (“non-usage motion”) and 2) determine whether difficulty level changes when using either the left or right hand.
Methods: This study included 38 patients with hemiplegia. Participants were asked to close the zipper with one hand after being instructed on how to perform the usage and non-usage motions. Next, we judged whether the participants could perform the movements, and measured the time taken to close the zipper using video.
Results: All participants could close the zipper using the usage motion; however, time taken to close the zipper was significantly shorter when the device was used than when it was not. On comparing the zipper closing time between the left and right hand for the usage motion, no significant differences were noted.
Conclusion: Experimental results suggest that device-based zipper closure is an efficient method for patients with hemiplegia. Furthermore, we demonstrated that a self-help device, combining inexpensive everyday items, could enable patients with hemiplegia to successfully dress themselves without difficulty.
