Product design intervention to improve hand skills of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy is a form of physical disability in childhood that cause disorders of posture and movements. Physiotherapy play an important role in rehabilitation of children with this condition. Studies revealed of reluctance among children to engage in therapy activities as the process is time consuming and intensive and as therapy assistive devices were less engaging and appealing. Thus, the need of therapy assistive devices that were engaging and effective was recognized as one of the main aspect that needed intervention in terms of product design. This was more apparent in therapy activities of upper limbs, as they involve high level of control and coordination. Accordingly, research was based on to develop designs to improve the hand skills of children. Methodology of this research was iterative with a participatory design approach. Designs were developed with the active participation of multi-disciplinary key stakeholders. Form, tactile preference, colour and movement patterns were recognized as main factors for consideration in developing therapy assistive devices. Designs were developed through prototyping, testing and development based on the feedback and observations. Design outcomes encourage gradual improvement of posture and hand skills, including, gross motor functions, fine motor functions and grip, as therapy assistive products.