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Published on: May 20, 2020
Towards a modified consumer haptic device for robotic-assisted fine-motor repetitive motion training
Susan E Palsbo1, Deborah Marr, Taylor Streng
1Center for Study of Chronic Illness & Disability, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA. InnovAbility@comcast.net
Purpose:
To develop, test and evaluate affordable haptic technology to provide robotic-assisted repetitive motion fine-motor training.
Methods:
A haptic computer/user interface was modified by adding a pantograph to hold a pen and to increase the haptic workspace. Custom software moves a pen attached to the device through prescribed three-dimensional (3D) stroke sequences to create two-dimensional glyphs. The pen's position is recorded in 3D coordinates at 1 kHz. Twenty-one healthy child volunteers were taught a standard handwriting curriculum in a group setting, two times per week for 45-60 min each session over 8 wks. The curriculum was supplemented by the device under the supervision of occupational therapy students. Outcomes were measured using the Evaluation Tool of Children's Handwriting (ETCH), and the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of visual-motor integration.
Results:
Word legibility made significant gains on near point copying task (p=0.04; effect size=0.95). Letter legibility made no significant improvement. One healthy volunteer with illegible handwriting improved significantly on 8 of 14 ETCH measures. The children found the device engaging, but made several recommendations to redesign the pantograph and scribing movements.
Conclusions:
A consumer haptic device can be modified for robotic-assisted repetitive motion training for children. The device is affordable, portable, and engaging. It is safe for healthy volunteers. Objective time-stamped data offer the potential for telerehabilitation between a remote therapist and the school or home.
