Weighted Utensils
Update: We have just launched a new website with more information about ChillSpill, a new adaptive eating aid at: www.chillspill.net In this Blog I want to review again a weighted utensils research article entitled: “Adapted Feeding Utensils for People with Parkinson’s Related or Essential Tremor” The study was published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy on March 12, 2019. I also want to introduce the ChillSpill adaptive eating aid which can function as a stand alone adaptive device for Parkinson’s or Essential tremor. It can also work in conjunction with weighted utensils and other strategies.
The study examined speed and subject’s subjective assessment of performance on a simulated feeding task under four conditions.
- With a standard spoon
- With a weighted spoon of standard spoon dimensions
- With a weighted spoon and a built up handle
- With the Liftware Steady spoon (a spoon with computerized tremor dampening capability)
The subjects were twenty two volunteers who had either Parkinson’s or Essential Tremor and expressed difficulty with self feeding. This was a within subject study design. The subjects were timed for the simulated feeding task and also completed a Likert type seven point assessment scale of their perceptions of speed, ease of use, neatness and appearance of each of the spoons. The scale used was called a CG1-1 scale. The scale items were phrased like “This spoon is easier than a standard spoon” In my opinion this inserts bias into the study that shouldn’t be there. It would be better to just rate each spoon without this comparison to a standard spoon. The other outcome that was measured was the speed taken to complete a number of repetitions of transferring Cheerios from a plate level bowl to a chin level bowl.
So what were the outcomes? No spoon outperformed the others to a statistically significant level for any of the outcome measures. The Liftware Steady spoon and the weighted but not built up handle spoon performed best in terms of perceived ease of use. The standard spoon performed best with speed! The swivel spoon had the slowest time. The researchers also collected the subject’s comments about the different utensils which I thought was a nice inclusion in the discussion. Some of the comments the authors cited are included below:
Weighted Spoon: One “Liked it better”, one would “consider purchasing one”, one thought it “performed better” and one thought it “increase rigidity and pain in the shoulder”
Weighted and Built Up Spoon: One thought “The device is a disaster and makes my rigidity worse. One stated “It just didn’t work”. Several commented that both weighted spoons were not a good option for older people with weakness.
Swivel Spoon: Comments were mostly negative although less spillage was reported and one stated they “Would like to try it at home.”
Liftware Steady Spoon: One stated it “settled his hand”. One stated he “liked the feel of it”. One thought it was “the best” One thought it had a “clumsy grip” One thought the spoon section was “too small”. One thought it “didn’t compensate for my tremor.” Three wanted to try it at home.
The Author’s Conclusions: The hypothesis that the Liftware Steady would be better for speed and CG-1 response findings was not supported.
It is clear from this and other studies that there is a need for assistive devices that improve function for people with tremor activity at mealtime. This lead us to develop the ChillSpill which should be available in our secure Adaptive Eating Aids Shop and through distributors in early August.
ChillSpill traps any spilled food from the spoon or fork and retains it so that it can be rescooped and eaten. This can help with nutritional intake. Decreased nutritional intake is often associated with Parkinson’s. The ChillSpill also provides a supporting surface for the hand to slide on during plate to mouth movements. This can have the impact of lessening tremor activity. As we mentioned earlier the ChillSpill can be used in conjunction with weighted utensils. Thanks for visiting today and we invite you to contact us at your convenience.