Work Aids

With regards the aid with the four press studs, significant pressure force is required from the tip of the first finger. The Trapeziometacarpal joint must be kept in the most suitable position between the bone ends, by the action of the intrinsic muscles that contract to stabilize the joint.  The aim is to reduce radial dislocation of the metacarpal while applying force with the thumb, because this is a cause of pain for rhizoid arthritis pathologies.

As regards the task of doing up buttons, greater precision and independent action by each finger is essential.  The thumb uses the pulp part to oppose the index and middle fingers, to tilt the button and push it into the button hole. Incorrect terminal opposition makes this task impossible, due to the shape of the object.  The aid comprises 4 press studs on the one side and 4 buttons like those found on many items of clothing on the other side.

In gripping the cup the weight of the object is used because the circumference is supported by the grip formed by the thumb and middle finger, and a hook made up of the index finger. This grip requires excellent thumb and middle finger stability, as well as the integrity of the deep flexor on the index finger and abductor on the thumb, which is essential for this task.

To grip the cup it is important to have good skill in using flexing/ extending muscles of both the hand and the rest of the upper limb in a harmonious manner, for the reaching and subsequent gripping phases.  You can also work on the patient’s capacity to open their hand to grip / release the cup at various heights.  Common disposable plastic cups can be inserted.

This aid is made to allow patients to exercise using “slalom” tasks between the pegs, following a sequence determined by the therapist on each occasion.  Precision and coordination of movements is required to keep the elastic cord taut and to guide it during the exercise. The ring facilitates holding it.

The unit has 5 plastic pegs.  One of these is used to hold the end of the elastic to be “guided” as indicated by the therapist.

Made up of a window handle (180° rotation about a central pin) and door handle (90° rotation about a pin to one side).

Depending on how the aid is positioned on the wall panel, the latter can be used with the right or left hand.

Positioned on a table: In this position the task is made easier than when positioned vertically, due to the fact that the patient is not tired out by having to keep their arms raised and stabilised during the task.

Positioned on a vertical panel: To do these tasks, applying pressure by opposing endings is essential. This grip is finer and more precise because it makes it possible to hold an object securely. The thumb opposes the pulp side end of the end of the index finger, gripping the lace and the prone supination movements of the forearm, associated with flexing the wrist, make it possible to do the task and threading the lace through the various holes. For both these tasks the side of the hand acts to stabilize the object, and good coordination is essential to complete the tasks.

Bear in mind that even a minor injury that damages these articular areas can compromise this pincer grip – in fact, complete passive articular control of the distal IF on the second finger is required as well as stability of the deep flexor and synchronized activation of the long flexor in the thumb.  On one side this aid has laces with holes and “eyelets” (closed rings), and on the other laces hooked in an “oblique” direction by chromed hooks, both of which are found on many types of footwear.

This aid involves work on the horizontal plane. The elbow bends and extends to reach the curves on the flexible element. Inclined radial / ulnar movements are required to get past them. Positioning on a vertical panel: in this case the instrument lies on the vertical plane.

This instrument is therefore similar to the vertical spiral, but differs in that positioning it at various heights and working in an upright position, obliges the subject to achieve greater bending and extension of the arm.

Dimensions: (cm) 39.5 x 29 x 10 h
Weight: 1.8 kg