Contextualising statistical evaluations of pinch force and endurance among young and elderly people using TRIZ techniques

Abstract Background: Numerous investigations have analysed the handgrip force and endurance of elderly people. However, few studies examine reduced and increased tactile sensibility effects on the pinch force and endurance of elderly people. Even fewer studies include the problem-solving process extending from statistical outcomes of such studies. This study examines tactile sensibility effects on the pinch force and endurance of elderly people, and potentially resolves issues dissected from these inferences using TRIZ. Methods: Data on pinch force and endurance time was collected among 32 subjects aged 55-65 years old. Subjects were required to pinch an experimental apparatus at their maximum limit, and sustain their pinching activity for as long as possible. Cotton gloves were for reduced tactile sensibility while rubber gloves were for increased tactile sensibility. The two-sample T-test results were further analysed using TRIZ.Results: The results suggested that a significant difference existed between the pinch force from reduced and increased tactile sensibility (p < 0.05), with similar outcomes for endurance time. Resolving TRIZ contradictions identified from the results presented this study with a principle known as “partial action”, which suggested that elderly people should pinch using less of the originally desired force when the exact intended force is difficult to achieve, rather than exerting a high pinch force in a single attempt. The “segmentation” and “other way around” principles were also recommended. Through Su-Field analysis, it was found that harmful effects from pinching can be neutralised using intermediary materials between the fingers and object, such as rubber. The analysis also proposed using optical or acoustic fields, whereby light sensors or buzzers could act as mechanisms to provide signals once a sufficient pinch force is detected. Conclusion: This study confirmed that elderlies with poor tactile sensibility commonly pinch objects with excessive force and extended durations. The inventive solutions that extend from this finding through TRIZ provide new insights to researchers in product design with the aim of resolving poor pinch performance caused by degrading tactile sensibility.

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Midline fast waves in EEGs of elderly people with dementia

Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology ◽

10.1016/s0013-4694(97)88599-2 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 103 (1) ◽

pp. 134

Author(s):

S Ichijoh

Keyword(s):

Elderly People ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Fast Waves

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Preventive Care for Elderly People

10.1017/cbo9780511527074 ◽

1993 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

David C. Kennie

Keyword(s):

Elderly People ◽

Preventive Care

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The Relationship Between Antioxidant Nutrient Intake and Cataracts in Older People

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831.76.6.359 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 76 (6) ◽

pp. 359-366 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Rodríguez-Rodríguez ◽

Ortega ◽

López-Sobaler ◽

Aparicio ◽

Bermejo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin C ◽

Older People ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Protective Effect ◽

Elderly People ◽

Nutrient Intake ◽

Institutionalized Elderly ◽

Weighing Method ◽

The Relationship

This study investigated the relationship between the intake of antioxidant nutrients and the suffering of cataracts in 177 institutionalized elderly people (61 men and 116 women) aged ≥ 65 years. Dietary intake was monitored for 7 consecutive days using a "precise individual weighing" method. Subjects, who during their earlier years were exposed by their work to sunlight, had a greater risk of suffering cataracts (OR = 3.2; Cl: 1.1–9.3, P < 0.05) than those who worked indoors. A relationship was found between increased vitamin C intake and a reduced prevalence of cataracts (i.e., when comparing those above P95 for vitamin C intake with those below P5; (OR = 0.08; Cl: 0.01–0.75, P 0.05). Among subjects with cataracts, 12.1% had vitamin C intakes of < 61 mg/day (P10) and only 2.2% had intakes of > 183 mg/day (P95) (p < 0.01). Subjects who consumed > 3290 μg/day (P95) of lutein were less likely to have cataracts (OR = 0.086; Cl: 0.007–1.084; p < 0.05) than those whose consumption was < 256 μg/day (P5). In men, high intakes of zeaxanthin seemed to provide a protective effect against the problem (OR = 0.96; Cl: 0.91–0.99; p < 0.05). The results suggest an association exists between exposure to sunlight and the development of cataracts, and that vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin offer some protection against this disorder.

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Autonomy, Privacy and the Implementation of the Principle of Informed Consent with regard to the Nursing Interventions from the View of elderly People

Pflege ◽

10.1024/1012-5302.14.1.29 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 29-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anja Schopp ◽

Theo Dassen ◽

Maritta Välimäki ◽

Helena Leino-Kilpi ◽

Gerd Bansemir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Informed Consent ◽

Elderly People ◽

Ältere Menschen ◽

Nursing Interventions ◽

Patient’S Autonomy

Ziel dieser Untersuchung war die Autonomie, Privatheit und die Umsetzung des Prinzips der «informierten Zustimmung» aus der Perspektive des institutionell zu betreuenden, älteren Menschen zu beschreiben. Die Untersuchung ist ein Teil des durch die EU-Kommission unterstützten BIOMED 2 Projektes «Patient’s autonomy and privacy in nursing interventions»1. Interviewdaten (n = 95) wurden in deutschen Kliniken der Geriatrie und Pflegeheimen gesammelt. Ergebnisse zeigten, dass die Teilnehmer in geringem Maß selbstbestimmte Entscheidungen treffen konnten. Das Prinzip der «informierten Zustimmung» wurde wenig umgesetzt. Ihre Privatheit sahen die Teilnehmer in Mehrbettzimmern sowie in Situationen des Ankleidens und bei der Verrichtung der Ausscheidungen nicht respektiert. Es ist anzunehmen, dass ältere Menschen wegen Informationsdefiziten, durch ihren Hilfsbedarf und durch die festgelegten Organisationsstrukturen der Pflegeeinrichtungen eine passive Krankenrolle übernehmen. Es wäre denkbar, dass die Autonomie der älteren Menschen gefördert werden könnte, wenn die Pflegekräfte sie in der Rolle des Fürsprechers bei selbstbestimmten Entscheidungen unterstützen würden. Bei den pflegerischen Interventionen würde die Umsetzung des Prinzips der «informierten Zustimmung» sowohl die Autonomie als auch die Respektierung der Privatheit fördern. Es ist außerdem anzunehmen, dass durch Flexibilisierung der Organisationsstrukturen der Pflegeeinrichtungen die Autonomie und Lebensqualität der älteren Menschen gefördert werden könnte.

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