A feeding mechanism for Parkinson's disease patients.
A pivotted four-bar chain mechanism has been studied and built as a feeding aid for Parkinson's patients. This system provides a good feeding path. Guidance is by means of a spring restrained sliding handle. The tremor exhibited by three patients was established in constant force tests. Shake tests using simulated inputs spanning the frequency range indicated (2.5 Hz-6 Hz) established the vibration isolation properties of the system.
Broadhurst
M
M
Bath Institute of Medical Engineering, Wolfson Centre, Royal United Hospital, UK.
Stammers
C W
CW
D000368:Aged; D003297:Cooking and Eating Utensils; D004435:Eating; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012656:Self-Help Devices