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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
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Development of a Novel Task-oriented Rehabilitation Program using a Bimanual Exoskeleton Robotic Hand
Published on: May 20, 2020
HandTutor™ enhanced hand rehabilitation after stroke--a pilot study.
Eli Carmeli1, Sara Peleg, Gadi Bartur
1Physical Therapy Department, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel. elie@post.tau.ac.il
Summary
This pilot study shows that combining HandTutor™ with traditional therapy significantly improved hand function in sub-acute stroke patients. Further research is recommended for this combined approach in stroke rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Occupational Therapy
- Robotics in Medicine
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often affecting hand function.
- Sub-acute stroke patients benefit from intensive rehabilitation to regain motor control.
- Traditional therapy may be enhanced with novel technological interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of HandTutor™ combined with traditional rehabilitation.
- To compare outcomes between an experimental group (HandTutor™ + traditional therapy) and a control group (traditional therapy alone).
Main Methods:
- An assessor-blinded, randomized controlled pilot trial involving 31 sub-acute stroke patients.
- Patients were assigned to either the experimental (n=16) or control (n=15) group.
- Both groups received therapy of similar duration and frequency, with the experimental group using HandTutor™.
Main Results:
- The experimental group showed significant improvements in the Box and Blocks (B&B) test (p=0.015) and Fugl-Meyer (FM) test (p=0.041) compared to the control group.
- HandTutor™ performance accuracy on both x and y axes significantly improved (p < 0.0003).
Conclusions:
- The HandTutor™ combined with traditional therapy shows promise for post-stroke hand function rehabilitation.
- Results support further investigation into this combined therapeutic approach.
- This pilot study highlights the potential of technology-assisted rehabilitation in stroke recovery.
