Running head: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE PAPER 1

Assistive Technology Device Paper

Emily E. Matthews
Touro University Nevada








ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE 2
Background-Client
My client Rhonda, suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS) and is a 56 year old divorced
mother of six children. According to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, multiple sclerosis a
disease in which in the CNS, the immune system attacks the insulation of the nerve fibers
(myelin) as well as the nerve fibers themselves. The damaged myelin forms scar tissue and,
therefore, nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord are interrupted creating
a variation of symptoms (Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2014). Symptoms can range from fatigue,
walking difficulties, pain, depression, tremors, numbness, tingling and spasticity. One of
Rhondas symptoms is an intentional tremor. Intentional tremors are the most common and
disabling form of tremor that occurs in individuals with MS (Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2014).
The tremors occur noticeable when a person tries to reach or grasp for something or move a hand
to a precise spot. Individuals who suffer from tremors may have severe social and emotional
issues. Many of them may stay in isolation due to embarrassment and become depressed
(Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2014).
Rhonda is a retired high school English teacher and is a makeup artist who sells Mary
Kay to supplement her income. She is a very artistic individual who enjoys painting, makeup
artistry and spending time with her family. Lately, she has been severely depressed due to
inability to perform her artistry. She has not applied makeup to herself since her tremors
progressed. She has a hard time grasping the brushes and having the appropriate stabilization to
apply makeup. Her self-confidence has decreased because she no longer grooms herself or
applies makeup. She currently has not been selling Mary Kay as actively as she used to because
of her decrease in self-esteem and increase in intentional tremors. She is terrified to apply
makeup to clients because she feels as though her tremors will scare the clients or unintentionally
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE 3
harm them. She also has been unenthusiastic about painting because her tremors cause careless
mistakes on canvases. These problems have caused Rhonda into a severe depression. Her quality
of life has been low since she has not participated in the meaningful activities that make her
happy. Rhondas illness has caused other major problems. She easily gets fatigued and has pain
all over her body. She also has arthritis and has difficulty grasping small objects. An
occupational profile on the client was performed, and it was found that the clients greatest
interest was to get back into being an artist again.
The idea of weighted brushes was developed because she currently uses weighted utensils
to feed herself and noticed positive results. This positive feedback of using weighted utensils
inspired the creation weighted artist brushes. Weighted brushes were designed to help the client
participate in being an artist again. Four different weighted brush handles were created to address
the clients needs. Also, two brush sets were made to address the clients makeup artistry needs
and her artistry needs of using acrylic paints on canvases. Hence, the Beauty Brush set and an
Artisan Brush set was created. The weighted brush handle allows my client to be functional in
activities for daily living (ADLs) for grooming and instrumental activities for daily living
(IADLs) for work and leisure. She has the confidence to apply makeup again on herself and
others. She can continue her passion of being an artist no matter what medium she is using.
Other Populations
The weighted artist brush can help stabilize a tremulous hand and give proprioceptive
feedback to clients with sensory problems. The weighted artist brushes are ideal for persons with
limited hand control such as those who suffer from intentional tremors from diagnosis such as
essential tremor, multiple scleroses, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke. Weighted artist
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE 4
brushes are customizable to any weight or shape to help individuals even with advanced arthritis.
The wide grip provides a sturdy place to hold, and the added weight in the handle provides added
control and dexterity. The ergonomic designs of the weighted artist brushes help reduce hand
tremors allowing more control when doing precise strokes for any artistry.
Purpose
The purpose of the weighted artist brushes is to give the client more control and greater
accuracy of artistry application. Clients that use weighted artist brushes should be satisfied with
the improved result of their artistry they once lost from intentional tremors.
Design
An innovative magnetic system links a brush head with the desired weighted handle.
Brush heads can be exchanged depending on the specific artistry medium the client uses. The
Beauty Brush set is desirable for makeup artistry and the Artisan Brush set desirable for acrylic
or watercolor painting.
Weights of the handles are .4 pounds, .3 pounds, .8 pounds, and .7 pounds. Each weight
has a magnetic top that allows for different brush heads to be interchanged based on the artists
desires. Also, the different weighted handles come in various sizes to address the artists grip. All
handles come with a preventive shield of fabric on the top of to prevent product from getting on
the artists hands when performing artistry.
The Karma brush weighs .42 pounds and is 2.5 inches tall and five inches in diameter.
This size brush is designed for wider areas of the face such as the cheeks and medium size areas
on a canvas. This brush comes with an elastic strap to increase stabilization when performing
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE 5
artistry. The strap also gives the artist more security when holding the brush just in case the artist
releases the handle of the brush. The Just Right brush weighs .3 pounds and is eight inches tall
and 3.5 inches in diameter. The Just Right brush is the most sight after brush and is very
versatile. This brush can be used with all ages and provides just enough weight to reduce mild
tremors. The Hollywood brush is the heaviest brush and provides maximum weight to control
tremors. This brush weighs .8 pounds and is 4 inches tall and 5.5 inches in diameter. This brush
is perfect to use on large canvases and all over the face. The Skyscraper brush is the tallest brush
that offers the artist more space to adjust hand position when performing artistry. This brush is
five inches tall and 4 inches in diameter. This brush also comes with elastic strap to help stabilize
the hand more efficiently. The four different handles styles and weights were created to address
the clients varying needs. Even though not all handles have elastic straps, they can be added if
the client needs extra support and stability. All brush handles are hand crafted and water proof.
The Beauty Brush set includes five brush styles that assist in daily beauty looks. The
Beauty Brush set includes crease brush, blending brush, powder brush, contour brush and
shadow brush. The crease brush is great for shading creases and creating contours. The blending
brush has the power to blend shades to create a harmonious look. The powder brush is great with
loose and pressed powders. This brush helps product lay down smooth and even complexion
color. The contour brush allows the artist to create flawless cheekbones. The shadow brush is a
multitasking brush for the use of all areas of the face. All brushes have vegan synthetic hairs that
are perfect for use on dry products. All brushes create soft edges without wiping away color.
The Artisan Brush set includes four brush styles that are for use on makeup artistry or
acrylic painting. All brushes are vegan and perfect for use on wet products.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE 6
The Artisan Brush set includes the fan brush, liner brush, shader brush and wash brush.
The fan brush adds flair to any painting by adding unique strokes to any canvas. The liner brush
hairs are perfect for creating detail lines and outlining canvases for greater detail. The shader
brush is perfect for shading, blending and creating coverage on different painting mediums.
The wash brush flattened top is excellent for washes, base coats and finishes and is good for
applying broad and sweeping strokes. All brush heads are easy to clean and should be cleaned
often to avoid product build up.
The magnetic bottoms of each brush head allow the artist to change the orientation of the
drying position. If the brush heads are placed vertically on a magnetic board, faster drying time
occurs due to gravity. The skins of the weighted handles are customizable and can be designed
based on the clients requests. Rhondas favorite colors are purple and teal, therefore, the design
of the handles catered to her fancy.
Similar Products
Currently, there are no similar products on the market. The weighted artist brush is a
unique product that offers the artist a versatile tool to support his/her artistic desires. There are
artist brushes on the market to help with arthritis; however these brushes only have different
sized grips. There is no brush on the market that addresses arthritis and intentional tremors.
Potential Market
The weighted artist brush can be sold at various stores such as medical support stores, art
stores, online, and beauty stores. The weighted artist brush is a revolutionary product that can
help those who suffer from intentional tremors. This product can be sold as a set of handles or
sold individually based on weight. The brush heads can also be sold separately or in sets.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE 7
Pricing
The itemization of the costs to develop the weighted artist brush is found in the appendix
on this paper. Total cost to make the weighted artist brush sets was $58.32. If this product was
mass produced, the retail value of a set of four weighted handles will cost the consumer $49.99.
The different brush sets, the Beauty brush set and the Artisan brush set will cost $15.99 and
$17.99 respectively. For under $100.00, the artist can have up to four different weighted handles
and up to eight different brush heads to address his/her artistry needs. This price is an incredible
value for the consumer.
Strengths/Limitations
The weighted artist brush offers the artist various options to change brush stroke diameter
and weight of the handle. This gives the artist more artistic freedom when creating art. The
limitations of the weighted artist brush innovated magnetic system might weaken due to wear
and tear. Also, if the artist is not careful, the brush head might dislocate from the brush handle
when performing artistry.
Literature Review
OConnor and Kini (2010) did a systematic review and examined several
pharmacological and non- surgical interventions for tremors and found that weighted devices
may help with the negative effects of tremors. Weighted cuffs were provided to 50 patients with
a tremor with a range of neurological conditions. A combination of photographic, accelerometer
and clinical outcomes was recorded. Twenty nine of the fifty participants experienced an
objective reduction in their tremor. Eighteen participants reported an improvement of their
ability to perform tasks and felt that the reduction in their tremor was useful. A further study of
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE 8
acquired brain injuries utilized weighted utensils in feeding tasks. Eighty percent of the
participants had a great improvement in feeding times with a trend toward fewer food spills
(OConnor and Kini, 2010). This information supports the use of a weighted artist brush to help
with Rhondas tremors when performing ADLs such as grooming. The weighted brush appears
to be useful, especially when performing fine motor task such as makeup artistry.
Kotovsky and Rosen (1998) believed that the use of medication is not always the best
option for treating tremors. They believe for a limb to produce an accurate motion; the tremor
must be decreased, or the task must be isolated from movement of the tremulous limb (Kotovsky
and Rosen, 1998). This can be done by using non-pharmacological methods such functional
electrical stimulation, limb weights, and vibration therapy. Non pharmacological methods are
safer because they usually have no side effects. Rhondas medications sometimes make her
lethargic, and she fears that increasing her dosage to address her tremors might make her more
sluggish. Using a weighted brush is beneficial because Rhonda does not need to change or
increase any of her medication to address her tremors when doing the artistry.
According to Koch, Morstert, Keersema and Keyser (2007), weight braces are advocated
for additional treatment option to help tremors in multiple sclerosis. Treatment options, including
physiotherapy, tremor reducing orthoses and limb cooling can lead to valuable improvements in
activities of daily living (Koch, Morstert, Keersema & Keyser, 2007). Koch, Morstert, Keersema
and Keyser (2007) research suggested that a tremor reducing orthoses can help in treating
tremors in patients with multiple sclerosis who take pharmacological medication. Rhonda is
currently on twelve types of medications to address her multiple sclerosis. She expressed that
medicine alone does not help with her tremors; she must also use weighted tools to get the best
outcome.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE 9
Kumar (2005) found that proprioceptive loading presented a clear reduction of overall
tremor frequency and amplitude of participants with cerebellar intention tremor. This study
found that additional proprioceptive loading exercises have a significant effect on reducing
intention tremor and improving muscular coordination. It is believed that the weights require
muscle activity; therefore it has a dampening effect on the amplitude of the tremor (Kumar,
2005). Rhondas quality of movement increases when she uses weighted tools. She has better
coordination and accuracy when using weighted tools versus non weighted tools.
Conclusion
The weighted artist brush provides a great solution for those with intentional tremors. The
changeable brush heads and weighted handles give the artist various options for desired brush
strokes and weight. The weighted artist brush allows my client to enjoy being an artist and
allows her to do activities that are meaningful to increase her quality of life. The weighted artist
brush is just not for individuals with intentional tremors, it can be used by anyone who loves
creating art. This product can help individuals become functional again from diseases that took
away their coordination and muscle control.






ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE 10
Appendix
Cost Analysis
Item Price Quantity Total
Weighted screws .45 cents 4 $1.35
Pack of clay $10.98 1 $10.98
Large magnets $3.56 1 $3.56
Small magnets $2.99 2 $5.98
Clear tape $4.78 1 $4.78
Decorative tape $5.99 1 $5.99
Fabric $3.99/yd. 2 $7.98
Elastic straps $3.98 1 $3.98
Glue sticks $3.08/pack 1 $3.08
Hair for brush heads $5.00 1 5.00
Acrylic brush heads $6.99 1 $6.99
Total $58.32






ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE 11
References
Kotovsky, J., & Rosen, M. J. (1998). A wearable tremor-suppression orthosis. Journal of
rehabilitation research and development, 35, 373-387.
OConnor, R. J., & Kini, M. U. (2011). Non-pharmacological and non-surgical interventions for
tremor: a systematic review. Parkinsonism & related disorders, 17(7), 509-515.
Koch, M., Mostert, J., Heersema, D., & De Keyser, J. (2007). Tremor in multiple sclerosis.
Journal of neurology, 254(2), 133-145.
Kumar, S. S. (2006). Efficacy of additional proprioceptive loading to improve upper extremity
muscular coordination on cerebellar intention tremor.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society(2014) What is ms? Retrieved from:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS
AOTA. (2014). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (3rd ed.).
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(Suppl. 1), S1-S48. http://dx .doi .org/10
.5014/ajot .2014 .682006