New techniques have been developed to improve hand therapy for stroke patients, but these techniques can be difficult for therapists to incorporate because of differences between patients and their changing needs as rehabilitation progresses. Researchers are developing a tool that combines customization and medical precision.
People who have suffered a stroke lose mobility, including fine motor functions in their hands. They require therapy, but traditional treatments are repetitive and neglect complex motions. New techniques are using a wider variety of hand motions, which can improve hand rehabilitation and decrease pain levels. These techniques can be difficult to incorporate due to differences between patients and how their needs change during rehabilitation.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a tool to help therapists incorporate more complex therapy techniques. The tool’s design achieves precise variations in stiffness along a framework that fits over the hand. These changes present new challenges to patients each time they receive therapy, matching their changing needs. This customization can lead to better patient outcomes.
The tool has been evaluated in computer simulations and practical testing of a prototype. Results indicate the variable stiffness can achieve diverse hand postures under the desired force.
Dongming Gan, Purdue Polytechnic Institute
Email: otcip@prf.org
Email: Steve Martin // sgmartin@prf.org
