Motion capture-based evaluation of lower chopstick stability

Abstract

[Purpose] When using chopsticks with a standard grip, the lower chopstick is held firmly; the upper chopstick dominates the motion between open and closed postures. This study’s primary aim was to evaluate the stability of the lower chopstick when maneuvering with the dominant hand. The secondary goal was to test whether using chopsticks with the non-dominant hand improves the stability of the lower chopstick. [Participants and Methods] The study included 34 healthy adults as participants. Motion capture was used to assess the stability of a lower chopstick held with the dominant hand and explore the effect of training on lower chopstick stability with the non-dominant hand. [Results] Prior to non-dominant hand chopstick training, the stability of the lower chopstick was significantly greater when held with the dominant hand than when held with the non-dominant hand. However, after 10 days of non-dominant hand chopstick training, the stability of the lower chopstick held with the non-dominant hand improved significantly. [Conclusion] This study’s findings provide important insights into the effectiveness of non-dominant hand training in patients who need to use their non-dominant hands.