Toward enabling winter occupations: testing a winter coat designed for older adults
Green, S.L.; Boger, J.N.; Mihailidis, A., 2011: Toward enabling winter occupations: testing a winter coat designed for older adults. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. Revue Canadienne D'ergotherapie 78(1): 57-64
Previous research indicates that older adults have difficulties using winter clothing, which contributes to their risk of isolation during winter. Research has also shown that a winter coat that requires less flexibility, strength, and dexterity would help support this population. This pilot study evaluated the measured and perceived effectiveness of a winter coat prototype that had a funnel sleeve design. Eight older adults trialed three coats (the participant's own coat, a coat fitted with sleeve gripper, and the prototype coat), which were evaluated though shoulder range of motion measurements and by the participant completing a survey. Less shoulder range of motion was used to put on the prototype coat. Survey findings support range of motion data that Sleeve Gripper has limited utility. A funnel sleeve design may require less range of motion at the shoulder compared to other coats.PMID: 21395199
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