SPOONFUL OF MEDICINE

INGENIOUS cutlery for those who struggle at mealtimes. this week: Shine Rocker knife, £7.14, abilityaware.com

CLAIM: This knife is designed for those with arthritis and other hand movement restrictions. The blade is rounded to make slicing foods easier, as the user only needs minimal arm strength to move it by rolling it forwards and backwards.

VERDICT: ‘In theory, the knife should be useful,’ says Claire Rothery, an occupational therapist (reableme.com) based in Rugby. ‘However, the handle is made of a hard plastic rather than a spongy rubber, and is not moulded to fit the hand, both of which would make it more comfy. ‘My daughter has a congenital hand condition, which means she uses specialist cutlery. When she tried using this, she had to rock the knife back and forth several times to cut food. ‘My concern with this knife is the degree of exertion required could easily lead to fatigue, particularly when the arm is already weak.’