Shoelace Locking Device for Individuals with RA in Finger Joints

Overview

Due to the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), individuals with RA cannot perform the meticulous finger movements required to tie one's shoelaces. The goal of this study was to design, build, and test a device that tightens, secures, and loosens the shoelaces of an individual with RA in their finger joints. The device (Shoelace Locking Device) was designed in Autodesk® Fusion 360™ and fabricated using a 3D printer. To evaluate the performance of the Shoelace Locking Device, it was compared to Lock Laces®, a shoelace locking device, over two testing trials. The first set of trials measured the effort force required to operate each device and the second involved participants using both devices and rating them on their overall functionality, usability, and complexity. The data collected from both trials was analyzed and tested for significance in favor of the Shoelace Locking Device through the use of a one-tailed t.test using two samples of unequal variance. Overall, it was concluded that the Shoelace Locking Device fulfilled the requirements specified in the engineering goal. The future of the study centers around modifying the design of the Shoelace Locking Device in order to increase its overall functionality and usability, specifically for RA patients.

Competition history

• AJAS 2024 Category not listed

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