Hand Rehabilitation Devices: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
Ryan Kabir1, Md Samiul Haque Sunny2, Helal Uddin Ahmed1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, BioRobotics Lab, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA.
Micromachines
|July 27, 2022
Summary
Powered hand rehabilitation devices (HRDs) offer a solution for hand motor function loss after stroke. Standardized HRD characteristics should include exoskeleton design and surface electromyogram (sEMG) control for comprehensive recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) frequently result in hand motor function loss.
- Traditional hand rehabilitation therapy strains clinical resources.
- Powered hand rehabilitation devices (HRDs) present a scalable solution for post-stroke hand recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and compare existing hand rehabilitation devices (HRDs).
- To identify standardized characteristics for future HRD development.
- To evaluate the efficacy of HRDs based on clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review and comparison of 35 HRDs based on mechanical design, actuation, control systems, and therapeutic strategies.
- Analysis of HRDs that have undergone clinical trials.
- Identification of common and effective features in HRDs.
Main Results:
- Current HRDs lack standardized design and development protocols.
- Exoskeleton designs, challenge-based and coaching therapeutic strategies, and surface electromyogram (sEMG) based control are identified as key features.
- 35 devices were evaluated for their capabilities and therapeutic approaches.
Conclusions:
- Standardized characteristics are crucial for effective HRD development and deployment.
- Future HRDs should integrate exoskeleton designs, advanced therapeutic strategies, and sEMG-based control for optimal patient outcomes.
- The findings provide a roadmap for the next generation of hand rehabilitation devices.
