The effect of a mouldable writing aid on older adults with hand osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial.

INTERVENTION: Participants will be issued with a mouldable pen (designed at Unitec) to use for 8 weeks. The researcher will show the participant how to mould the pen initially. It can then "set" into shape or be re‐moulded if the participant wishes. The pen has a latex exterior, the design of the internal contents are the intellectual property of the designer and Unitec Institute of Technology. Participants are asked to use the pen as they would a normal pen and to note when they use it. CONDITION: Hand osteoarthritis PRIMARY OUTCOME: Writing quality as measured by the Handwriting Assessment Battery for adults (McCluskey & Lannin, 2003). SECONDARY OUTCOME: Australian/Canadian hand index (AUSCAN) ‐ self reported Likert scales for hand pain, stiffness and physical functioning. Count of joints affected by osteoarthritis of the hand. Hands will be examined for the occurrence of bony enlargements (1= present, 0= absent) and will be calculated as a summary of signs in both hands (range 0 to 30). The American College of Rheumatology criteria (Altman et al., 1990) will also be used as a diagnosis confirmation of hand osteoarthritis. ; Measure of Assistive Technology use scale‐ Likert scale assessing use of devices and 100mm VAS scale for comfort with assistive technology. Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire ‐ to measure quality of life for those with arthritis. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Osteoarthritis in writing hand. Reside in Auckland, NZ.