Development and control of a home-based training device for hand rehabilitation with a spring and cable driven mechanism

Abstract

Rehabilitation at home is rapidly increasing. Although successful results are achieved with treatment methods applied in rehabilitation clinics, there are also some disadvantages in this process, such as dependence on an expert and high costs. Developments in mechatronic technologies have accelerated the development of assistive devices which are designed for use at home. One of the rehabilitation applications is on a hemiplegic hand. In previous studies, some useful devices have been developed for hand rehabilitation. In this study, we suggest a new, low-cost and wearable robotic glove for hand rehabilitation. The specific component of this device is the spring and cable driven system proposed for transmission of motion and force. The device was tested on both unimpaired participants and patients with the hemiplegic hand, and it was proven to be beneficial for hand rehabilitation. As a result of trials with unimpaired participants, the muscle activation of the extensor digitorum and the flexor carpi radialis were increased by 184.1 and 197.8% respectively. The weight of the device was less than 400 g, thanks to 3D printed parts.