Hand spring operated movement enhancer (HandSOME) device for hand rehabilitation after stroke

Hand rehabilitation after stroke is essential for restoring functional independent lifestyles. After stroke, patients often have flexor hypertonia, making it difficult to open their hand for functional grasp. The development and initial testing of a passive hand rehabilitation device is discussed. The device, Hand Spring Operated Movement Enhancer (HandSOME), assists with opening the patient's hand using a series of bungee cords that apply extension torques to the finger joints that compensate for the flexor hypertonia. This results in significant increase in range of motion and functional use when wearing HandSOME, even in severely impaired subjects. Device design, calibration, and range of motion are described as well as functional and usability testing with stroke subjects.