A feeding mechanism for Parkinson's disease patients

Powered feeding devices: an evaluation of three models

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare three powered feeding devices (Beeson, Handy 1, Winsford) as perceived by disabled individuals who require assistance with eating.

DESIGN

Subjects and assistants were surveyed after using each device and serving their own controls. The order in which the devices were used was balanced.

SETTING

Place of subjects' residence.

SUBJECTS

Twelve subjects, ages 11 to 42 years, and their feeding assistants.

INTERVENTION

Each device trial covered a 4-day period. Day 1 focused on training to use the device, Days 2 and 3 focused on using the device at home, and on Day 4 subjects returned to the laboratory for debriefing, completing questionnaires, and videotaping.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Subjects and assistants answered questionnaires including Likert-like rankings and yes/no responses regarding functional and esthetic characteristics of each feeding device.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found among three powered feeding devices regarding specific design characteristic. Great percentages of both subjects and their feeding assistants responded that the devices were an improvement over how they were currently being fed and that they would use such a device on a daily basis.

CONCLUSION

Individuals dependent on others for feeding may benefit from the use of a powered feeding device.

Mechanical feeding aids for patients with ataxia: design considerations

A mechanism has been designed which transforms steady, vertical hand motion into the scooping motion of a spoon. The mechanism incorporates vibration isolation through a spring-damper system to attenuate the transmission of low frequency (2-8 Hz) hand tremor to the spoon. A series arrangement of spring and damper has produced spoon amplitudes of between 5 and 12% of the hand amplitude at the lowest ataxic tremor frequencies. A prototype has been tested by four ataxic patients. The degree of vibration isolation and the ability to pick up food were adequate but the mechanism was felt to be unacceptable as a feeder for social reasons. Two other mechanisms have also been considered.