Past the age of 25, 1 in 4 adults around the world will experience a stroke1. Afterwards, those affected are left with a loss of fine motor skills, including poor dexterity and the reduced control of grip2. Although these effects are well-documented, upper limb motor function is not always recovered3. Furthermore, there are no ways of recording quantifiable measurements for improvement in hand function (such as range of motion and strength) within the medical setting.
There are several medical devices currently on the market for upper limb rehabilitation post-stroke. These include devices for vagal nerve stimulation (Vivistim®), full finger tension and extension (SaeboGlove®), and user-interactive hand therapy (MusicGlove®). Although these devices are excellent for had impairment rehabilitation, they do not quantify and compare the progression of hand function over time. There is still a need for a device that quantifies hand impairment progression while incorporating rehabilitative aspects.
References:
[1] Learn About Stroke. World Stroke Organization. (2023). Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.world-stroke.org/world-stroke-day-campaign/why-stroke-matters/learn-about-stroke#:~:text=Globally%201%20in%204%20adults,will%20die%20as%20a%20result.
[2] Kandaswamy, D., M, M., Alexander, M., Prabhu, K., S, M. G., & Krothapalli, S. B. (2018). Quantitative Assessment of Hand Dysfunction in Patients with Early Parkinson’s Disease and Focal Hand Dystonia. Journal of movement disorders, 11(1), 35–44. https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.17046
[3] Eschmann, H., Héroux, M. E., Cheetham, J. H., Potts, S., & Diong, J. (2019). Thumb and finger movement is reduced after stroke: An observational study. PloS one, 14(6), e0217969. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217969