Stabilizing Spoon Assists Diners with Tremors
Tremors affect approximately 10 million Americans, and range in their level of severeity.Generally caused by problems in parts of the brain that control muscles throughout the body, tremors can be caused by a number of neurological disorders or conditions, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or different neurodegenerative diseases, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Tremors can make day-to-day tasks difficult for sufferers, including eating. Enter Liftware.
Liftware is a company comprised on scientists and engineers that developed self-stabilizing utensils that allow users to eat without spilling or assistance from others, which would be life affirming for many who suffer from the spasms. Liftware includes two parts: a stabilizing handle and a utensil attachment. It automatically turns on the moment both parts are connected and can be used “for any meal,” as it comes with soup spoon, “everyday spoon,” and fork attachments.
The handle contains sensors that detect hand motion while being able to distinguish tremors from intended movements of the hand. A small onboard computer directs two motors in the handle to move the utensil attachment in the opposite direction of any detected tremor. In a clinical study, Liftware was proven to reduce shakes by up to 70%.
