Abstract
Impaired hand function, commonly presenting as impaired finger extension, is one of the most common motor deficits after stroke, and an affordable, accessible device for hand rehabilitation is needed. This paper discusses a soft robotic extensor designed to address finger extension deficits in stroke survivors. Intentionally diverging from glove-based concepts while focusing on enhancing patient accessibility, the soft robot extensor is a stand-alone device designed to fit under the flexed fingers of a patient with limited finger extension. When actuated with pressurized air, its elastomer structure straightens and extends the fingers. Preliminary evaluation of the device in 5 healthy adults (age, 21.00 ± 2.92 years; 3 females, 2 males) demonstrated finger range of motion with device actuation sufficient to perform 90% of functional hand tasks. Electromyography of the finger extensors revealed no significant muscle activity during device actuation, demonstrating that range of motion occurred from soft robot actuation versus voluntary muscle activation. Results from an adapted System Usability Scale demonstrated positive feedback from participants regarding usability. Results highlight the soft robot extensor’s potential as an accessible device for improving hand function and support continued device development.
