Using a tray as a base of support for the functional hand.

As therapists who developed the functionalhand®, our goal was to help individuals with grasp difficulties hold objects and participate in many activities. If the shoulder and arm that the hand is attached to is moving around or having trouble maintaining their position, the ability to use your eyes and hands together and direct the movement is hard. It can make the activity frustrating. The use of a table surface to support the upper arm, give the elbow a base of support and help guide forearm movement is important. By increasing the contact surface of the forearm and hand, it provides stability and increased sensory awareness of movement in space. We have found a tray surface that supports the elbows, by curving around the body, makes a significant difference. Cutting out 2-3 layers of foam board and covering with contact paper makes a perfect surface.