Motorized Hand Exoskeleton for Stroke Rehabilitation

This Phase I SBIR project further develops and tests the motorized HandSOME exoskeleton for stroke rehabilitation. For stroke survivors, improvement of the paretic hand can result in functional improvement of the upper paretic limb. However, the probability of regaining functional use of the impaired hand is low. In comparison to proximal joints, hand function restoration is often delayed, and patients can also experience finger and thumb flexion weakness. A motorized device may increase range of motion and provide grip force amplification to aid in activities of daily living (ADL) performance. This work builds off prior research and development of three hand exoskeletons—the purely passive HandSOME I and II devices, and the motorized HandMATE exoskeleton. The HandSOME devices used elastic bands to assist with finger and thumb extension, while HandMATE used five linear actuators for individual digit control. The objective of this project is to develop a new simplified version of HandMATE that decreases the complexity of the design in terms of parts, pin joints, and electrical connections, while also decreasing the difficulty of donning the device. During the testing phase, 13 individuals with chronic stroke are evaluated for usability and functional gains when wearing the easy-to-use motorized device. The outcome of this project is the successful development of an affordable and easy to use device (exoskeleton) that can be used as an assistive device during ADL, but in the process of daily use, promotes neurorehabilitation of hand motor control.