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A Flexible Wearable Supernumerary Robotic Limb for Chronic Stroke Patients
Published on: October 27, 2023
Improving selected hand functions using a noninvasive neuroprosthesis in persons with chronic stroke.
Gad Alon1, Keith McBride, Haim Ring
1University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy, Baltimore, MD 21201-1082, USA.
Summary
The Handmaster neuroprosthesis significantly improved hand function and daily activities in chronic stroke survivors. This noninvasive device enhanced grip strength, finger motion, and reduced pain, offering a safe and effective rehabilitation tool.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Upper extremity functional loss post-stroke presents a significant rehabilitation challenge.
- Chronic hemiplegia often results in persistent hand dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the Handmaster system in improving hand function in chronic stroke survivors.
- To assess the impact of the Handmaster neuroprosthesis on activities of daily living (ADL) and motor impairments.
Main Methods:
- A 3-week, home-based, nonrandomized case series trial involving 29 post-stroke subjects.
- Outcome measures included ADL tasks, grip strength, finger motion, Fugl-Meyer scores, and pain assessment.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in successful ADL task completion (pot lifting, weight lifting, bag holding).
- Enhanced grip strength, active finger motion, and Fugl-Meyer scores were noted.
- A decrease in pain scores was reported by subjects experiencing pain at baseline.
Conclusions:
- The Handmaster system is a safe and effective noninvasive neuroprosthesis for individuals with chronic hemiplegia.
- The device demonstrates potential for improving hand function and reducing impairments in stroke survivors.
