Military technology designed to stabilize equipment for soldiers in the middle of combat has now been re-purposed for an entirely new set of clientele: Those who suffer uncontrollable tremors in their hands.
The technology has been placed into a spoon — a high-tech spoon outfitted with a tiny computer system — and now those who could barely feed themselves because of shaky hands and a diagnosis of essential tremor are finding a new sense of independence.
“In some ways, it seems too simple to be true,” said Kelvin Chou, a University of Michigan neurologist and a specialist at treating those with tremors, the Detroit Free Press reported.
The spoon’s technology basically senses which direction the tremors are headed — and gauges their strength — and adjusts accordingly, softening the shakes. Eating, applying makeup, performing daily fine motor tasks are all easier, users found.
The technology has been tested for 15 adults with tremors — some of whom could no longer feed themselves or were too embarrassed to eat in front of others.
Mr. Chou, who tested the spoon, said the results have been “amazing.”
“One of the worst things about essential tremor is that people feel like they have to be alone,” Mr. Chou told the Free Press. “This changes things for people.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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