Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Neurotechnology
Date Submitted: Oct 21, 2024
Date Accepted: Feb 5, 2025
A Game-Based Mechatronic Device for Interactive Rehabilitation of Hand Function Post Stroke: Design, Prototyping and Feasibility Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
This paper presents an easy-to-use, affordable Rehabilitation Manipulandum Device (RMD) equipped with smart monitoring and assistive technologies to engage in game-based exercise and repetitive task practice. The RMD has been designed to enhance a wide range of fine motor manual dexterity skills, including thumb, finger, and wrist movements. By focusing on finger and hand functions, it extends its utility beyond basic reaching or object transfer movements. Various interchangeable 3D-printed therapy handles of different shapes and sizes can be easily attached to the RMD drive shaft. These handle movements can be utilized to engage with numerous affordable, commercially available computer games, allowing patients to practice tasks that involve varying movement amplitudes, speeds, precision, and cognitive challenges. Additionally, the device is capable of automatically recording and storing the patient's real-time performance data on any given computer, integrating assessment into treatment.
Objective:
A pilot study was conducted with five stroke patients to examine the feasibility and benefits of a 6-week game-based exercise program using the proposed device.
Methods:
A feasibility study was conducted with 5 participants. Data was collected using the CUE assessment and WMFT pre and post intervention lasting 6 weeks.
Results:
The pilot study demonstrated that clients’ expectations related to manual dexterity were met.
Conclusions:
Findings revealed acceptable, engaging, game-based, and task-oriented training with a high level of compliance. Substantial improvements from pre- to post-intervention were observed using the Wolf Motor Function Test and assessments of manual dexterity. Clinical Trial: Clinical Trials Registry - NCT05071885
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