Hand Rehab for Neuromuscular Disorder

The majority of people with neurological conditions, such as stroke and spinal cord injury, experience loss of motor function in one or both hands, which can greatly reduce quality of life. Tasks often taken for granted become frustrating or nearly impossible due to tight spastic muscles, reduced grasping strength, and general lack of coordination in the hand. Fixing this damage requires a thorough hand treatment program.

The SIFREHAB-1.0 has inflatable chambers which gently bend and straighten the fingers, providing necessary stretches and repetitive exercise in order to restore lost hand function. Low pressure and comfortable materials make this device safe and desirable for repeated use. The minimalist form factor of soft robotics allows users to go about their daily activities without discomfort or frustration while wearing the glove in its standby state, and then smoothly transition into the glove’s powered assistance when they begin their therapeutic routine. The glove’s control system is portable and lightweight and can be placed on a tabletop or attached to a wheelchair.

Stroke survivors face a complex challenge repairing and remodeling their bodies, minds, and lives.  Activities that once came naturally and were programmed into habits are suddenly very challenging and frustrating. The affected arm can become such a frustration that survivors may start to only use their stronger arm to get things accomplished, even if that is not normally their dominant arm. The SIFREHAB-1.0 offer these patients the option of starting their own hand program in the comfort of their homes.