Examples of arthritic exercises that may be prescribed include hand clenching, fingertip touches, finger lifts (see image below), knuckle bends, fist stretching and many more. Existing products that can be used during rehab exercises include rubber bands, stress balls, commercially available rehabilitation gloves, and resistive trainers. These products can assist in resistance training, but do not provide real-time feedback to the patient for form encouragement or correction.
The rehab device we are developing will be primarily used for patients aged 30-60 years old undergoing physical therapy for hand rehabilitation, such as those with arthritis or recovering from hand surgery or injury. The device will also permit users to track their progress and view their exercise history, allowing physical therapists and clinicians to view their progress in in-person sessions. Overall this device will personalize hand rehabilitation, reduce in-person visits, and provide the PT with access to patient performance and progress.