Cooking with an orthosis or prosthesis

If grip function is limited on one side, tasks such as stirring, mixing or guiding a spoon, whisk or knife may require more effort and can lead to compensatory movements in the hand, arm, shoulder or upper body. A suitable aid can support the affected side by holding the kitchen utensil in a defined position and allowing its angle to be adjusted to the specific task. This can reduce the gripping effort required and support a more controlled and ergonomic working position. Macu4 offers two systems for cooking. Which system is suitable depends on the individual situation and the appropriate base solution.

The Lynk System with the Hold STD Module is suitable for orthotic support when grip function is not sufficiently reliable. The base encases the forearm in the form of a lightweight orthosis and provides a secure attachment point for the Hold STD Module. When cooking, the module enables kitchen utensils and other suitable objects to be held without the need to grip them continuously with the fingers. The flexible module head is shaped like a clamp and adapts to different handles and forms. A cooking spoon, whisk or another kitchen utensil is placed into the module head and then securely fixed in place using the hook-and-loop strap. Flat objects can also be inserted into the lateral slot of the module head. This allows kitchen utensils with a flat handle, for example, to be positioned more securely. The orientation of the module head can be adjusted individually. This allows the kitchen utensil to be positioned at a suitable angle, for example when stirring in a bowl, mixing ingredients or guiding a cooking spoon in a saucepan. Before use, it should be checked that the kitchen utensil is correctly positioned and securely fastened. When it is held securely and aligned appropriately, the need for active gripping can be reduced. This allows individual tasks to be carried out with greater control and can support a more natural arm position. In this way, the module can make meal preparation more independent and ergonomic.

The Explorer System is suitable for prosthetic fitting of the forearm in adults. macu4’s lightweight, 3D-printed Explorer System consists of a socket, the Explorer Ring as a connecting component, and a module for the relevant activity. When cooking, the Pinch Module enables smaller, lighter and cylindrical kitchen utensils to be held securely. The handle of a spoon, whisk or another suitable utensil can be placed between the module fingers. The gripping force of the module fingers can be reduced or increased using the button on the side. This allows the module to be adapted to different handle diameters and the required holding force. For example, a lightweight cooking spoon can be held with less pressure, while a whisk can be secured more firmly. Small cylindrical objects can also be pressed from above into the slot with the oval openings until they click securely into place. The integrated ball joint allows the entire module to be individually aligned. This makes it possible to position the kitchen utensil at a suitable angle, for example to support a more natural arm position while stirring. The Pinch Module holds the kitchen utensil in a defined position so that it can be moved in a controlled way when stirring, mixing or guiding it. It can be configured with or without length compensation using an integrated spacer. The appropriate configuration is determined during the measurement process. When the kitchen utensil is held securely and aligned appropriately, individual tasks can be carried out more purposefully and with fewer compensatory movements. This supports more independent and ergonomic meal preparation.