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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

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Improved Flexor Spasticity in Patients with Chronic Stroke Using a Dynamic Wrist-Hand Stretching Device: A Pilot

Jacob Kim¹, Justin Kim², Philbert Chen³

¹The College of Arts & Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Neurorehabilitation

|July 3, 2026

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A novel dynamic stretching device, Hand Stretcher®, significantly reduced wrist and finger spasticity in chronic stroke patients. This device offers a safe, practical addition to conventional rehabilitation for improving post-stroke recovery and hand function.

Area of Science:

Neurology
Rehabilitation Medicine
Biomedical Engineering

Background:

Hand and wrist spasticity frequently complicates stroke recovery, impacting daily living and independence.
Conventional treatments for spasticity are often time-consuming, necessitating innovative solutions for consistent management.
Dynamic stretching devices offer a potential avenue for minimally supervised, regular therapeutic intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the efficacy of the Hand Stretcher®, a dynamic passive stretching device, in mitigating spasticity and enhancing hand function in chronic stroke survivors.
To evaluate the safety and practicality of using this novel device as an adjunct to standard rehabilitation protocols.

Main Methods:

A randomized controlled trial involving 30 chronic stroke patients (spasticity MAS < 3, motor weakness MMT 3-4) was conducted.

Keywords:

hemiparesis motor recovery neurorehabilitation spasticity stroke

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Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity

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Participants were assigned to either an intervention group using the Hand Stretcher® for 2 months or a control group receiving conventional rehabilitation.

Outcomes, including Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Manual Functional Test, and Brunnstrom stage, were measured at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months.

Main Results:

The intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in wrist and finger flexor spasticity (MAS) without adverse events.
Improvements were noted in the Manual Functional Test and Brunnstrom stage in the intervention group by the study's end.
No significant changes in wrist or finger extensor strength (MMT) were observed in either group.

Conclusions:

Two months of intensive Hand Stretcher® use effectively reduced wrist and finger flexor spasticity in chronic stroke patients.
The device proved to be a safe and practical adjunct, showing potential for improving hand function and aiding post-stroke recovery.
Further research may explore long-term effects and optimal integration into rehabilitation programs.