How To Hold Adaptive Utensils
In this Blog we will discuss how to hold adaptive utensils. While there is no absolute right or wrong way for how to hold adaptive utensils there are some important considerations. The two grasp patterns that we will consider are the cylindrical grip and the standard grip.
With a cylindrical grip all the fingers and the thumb enclose the handle of the utensil. With this grip the palm will be held in a palm down (pronated) position during utensil use. Using this type of grip less finger range of motion will be required using an adaptive utensil with a built up grip versus a standard utensil. This was confirmed by the study: “Effectiveness of adaptive silverware on range of motion of the hand” This study did not examine, however, the range of motion required by using a standard grip. If you look at the images above you will notice that there is actually less finger and thumb flexion required by using the standard grip versus the cylindrical grip.
It will also be harder to manipulate the utensil using a cylindrical grip versus a standard grip. This is because the pronated position while using a cylindrical grip restricts manipulative wrist movement. Another consideration is the shoulder motion required when using a cylindrical grip versus a standard grip. Again due to the palm down positioning required by the cylindrical grip more shoulder range of motion will be required. For these reasons we recommend using a standard grip as the best way for how to hold an adaptive utensil.
In our new online adaptive eating equipment shop we have the Special Supplies adaptive utensils available in red, blue, grey and multi colors. We like these adaptive utensils for their just right built up handles which are made of latex free, non slip, comfortable in the hand material. As always, we invite you to contact us at your convenience for additional information.
Reference:
McDonald et. al. (2016) “Effectiveness of adaptive silverware on range of motion of the hand” PeerJ, DOI 10.7017 /peerj, 1667