Guppy Grip A Hand Dexterity Toy
Location
Ada, Ohio
Start Date
9-12-2025 2:10 PM
End Date
9-12-2025 2:20 PM
Description
Many children ages five through eight struggle with their fine motor skills, finger strength, and independent finger movement, and often find traditional therapy boring. To address this, we developed Guppy Grip, an engaging and colorful hand dexterity toy with a pond theme and fish sliders. Our goal is to get kids excited to go to therapy and hopefully boost their confidence as they become engaged in the exercises.
The project focused on improving finger strength, range of motion and independent finger movement targeting both flexion and extension with adjustable resistance. Our device was developed through several iterations and includes many 3D printed parts with a laser cut inner disk. The device has symmetrical features and includes a rotating inner disk with 8 tracks which allows the user to use either hand. A TPU palm rest, textured base, and compact form make the device comfortable, stable, and easy to transport.
After two semesters of developing this device, we delivered it to Ada Elementary School’s occupational therapist and the Ohio Northern Athletic Trainers. Their feedback highlighted the device’s clinical usefulness, noting its ability to isolate individual digits and adjust the disk position to target specific fingers. According to Rachael Graham, ATC, the Guppy Grip is a “very good dexterity apparatus” and a strong fit for both occupational and physical therapy settings.
Recommended Citation
Mueller, LIv and Geiger, Maria, "Guppy Grip A Hand Dexterity Toy" (2025). College of Engineering Student Research Colloquium. 13.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/eng_student_research_colloquium/2025/Presentations/13
Guppy Grip A Hand Dexterity Toy
Ada, Ohio
Many children ages five through eight struggle with their fine motor skills, finger strength, and independent finger movement, and often find traditional therapy boring. To address this, we developed Guppy Grip, an engaging and colorful hand dexterity toy with a pond theme and fish sliders. Our goal is to get kids excited to go to therapy and hopefully boost their confidence as they become engaged in the exercises.
The project focused on improving finger strength, range of motion and independent finger movement targeting both flexion and extension with adjustable resistance. Our device was developed through several iterations and includes many 3D printed parts with a laser cut inner disk. The device has symmetrical features and includes a rotating inner disk with 8 tracks which allows the user to use either hand. A TPU palm rest, textured base, and compact form make the device comfortable, stable, and easy to transport.
After two semesters of developing this device, we delivered it to Ada Elementary School’s occupational therapist and the Ohio Northern Athletic Trainers. Their feedback highlighted the device’s clinical usefulness, noting its ability to isolate individual digits and adjust the disk position to target specific fingers. According to Rachael Graham, ATC, the Guppy Grip is a “very good dexterity apparatus” and a strong fit for both occupational and physical therapy settings.