Effectiveness of Self-help Device in Closing Zippers Using a Single Hand in Patients with Hemiplegia: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

Purpose: For patients forced to use only one hand, closing a zipper is challenging. Therefore, we developed a self-help device that uses a string and clothespins; the device stretches the zipper, allowing the individual to close it easily with one hand. We aimed to 1) demonstrate the effectiveness of this device by comparing the zipper closing motion when the device is used (“usage motion”) with that when it is not used (“non-usage motion”) and 2) determine whether difficulty level changes when using either the left or right hand.