PLAY HANDS PROTECTIVE GLOVES: TECHNICAL NOTE ON DESIGN AND CONCEPT.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Assistive Technology
• Pediatric Rehabilitation

Background:

• Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a primary cause of childhood motor disability, affecting 1.6-2.5 per 1,000 live births globally.
• A significant percentage of children with CP (23%) rely on assistive technologies.
• Some children with developmental disabilities exhibit self-injurious behaviors, like finger biting (dermatophagia), alongside therapeutic needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline design considerations for protective gloves and finger coverings for children with developmental disorders.
• To address self-injurious hand chewing (dermatophagia) while maintaining finger dexterity.
• To incorporate therapeutic benefits like warmth, sensory feedback, and range of motion.

Main Methods:

• Conceptualization of "Protecting Little and Adolescent Youth (PLAY) Hands" as a protective handwear solution.
• Design considerations include cosmetic appeal, therapeutic warmth, tactile sensory feedback, and ease of donning/doffing.
• Utilizing durable, 3D-printed, biodegradable/bioabsorbable materials like thermoplastics for fabrication.

Main Results:

• PLAY Hands offer a range of protective iterations, from single-digit orthoses to full glove designs.
• The design aims to provide protection, therapeutic warmth, sensory stimulation, and maintain range of motion.
• The intervention focuses on self-mutilating behavior, kinematics, and sensation management.

Conclusions:

• PLAY Hands are designed to enhance function and quality of life for children with developmental disorders and their families.
• The gloves provide a cosmetically appealing, protective, and therapeutic solution for hand-biting behaviors.
• This innovative handwear addresses critical needs in pediatric self-injurious behavior and sensory regulation.