Engineering major Arden Kiner ’28 is researching handwriting techniques that could help reduce cramping and the risk of arthritis, as part of Elizabethtown College’s Summer Creative Arts and Research Program (SCARP).
Kiner is working closely with Professor of Engineering Kurt DeGeode to analyze various ways of holding a writing instrument to determine which grips place the least strain on the hand. The project looks at which writing styles are preferred among college students and how different ways of holding a pen affect how the hand moves, how tired the muscles get, and how clear and fast the writing is. Kiner plans to continue this research with student participants throughout the 2025–26 academic year.
Title of Research
The Best Handwriting Method to Avoid Cramping and Arthritis
Student Researcher
Arden Kiner ‘28 (Engineering major)
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Kurt DeGeode, Professor of Engineering
What are you researching?
Kiner: I’m testing a few different handwriting styles using a Sharpie to see which ones require the least amount of force on the hand. I’ll probably focus on two to four different styles or grips.
Why did you choose this topic?
Kiner: I have always loved writing, but after about 30 minutes, my hand would start to cramp. Recently, I noticed changes in my nail beds from how I hold my pen. If writing style can affect the skin that much, it made me wonder what else might be happening inside the hand that we don’t see.
What is the most interesting aspect of this research?
Kiner: The most interesting part of this project is working with the sensors and OpenSim. I like working with systems that I have yet to use.
What are you hoping to accomplish through this research project?
Kiner: I want to better understand what kinds of forces are involved when we write. I’m also hoping to learn new ways to collect and study data from small, detailed areas of the body, like muscles and tendons in the hand.
Talk about working with your mentor. How have they helped you throughout this experience?
Kiner: Dr. DeGoede has been a huge help in finding my foothold. He and I have been bouncing ideas on how to handle the testing phase and which writing unit to use.
Hear from the faculty mentor – Dr. Kurt DeGeode
“I look forward to mentoring one or two Engineering summer research students every summer through SCARP, and it’s been a pleasure working with Arden. This project is important because there are limited studies examining writing techniques, especially in adults, even though many college students still do a lot of writing by hand, whether on paper or tablets.”
