title: HandCARE: a cable-actuated rehabilitation system to train hand function after stroke.
abstract: We have developed a robotic interface to train hand and finger function. HandCARE is a Cable-Actuated REhabilitation system, in which each finger is attached to an instrumented cable loop allowing force control and a predominantly linear displacement. The device, whose designed is based on biomechanical measurements, can assist the subject in opening and closing movements and can be adapted to accommodate various hand shapes and finger sizes. Main features of the interface include a differential sensing system, and a clutch system which allows independent movement of the five fingers with only one actuator. The device is safe, easily transportable, and offers multiple training possibilities. This paper presents the biomechanical measurements carried out to determine the requirements for a finger rehabilitation device, and the design and characterization of the complete system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 119077 Singapore. ludovic.dovat@nus.edu.sg
authors.forename: Ludovic
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dovat
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Lambercy
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gassert
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Maeder
authors.forename: Ted
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Milner
authors.forename: Teo Chee
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Leong
authors.forename: Etienne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Burdet
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods