title: A technique to train finger coordination and independence after stroke.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Finger coordination and independence are often impaired in stroke survivors, preventing them from performing activities of daily living. We have developed a technique using a robotic interface, the HandCARE, to train these functions.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Hand Cable-Actuated REhabilitation (CARE) system can assist the subject in opening and closing movements of the hand, and can be adapted to accommodate various hand sizes and finger shapes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two game-like exercises have been developed, which use a motivating approach to promote recovery of finger coordination and independence. Mathematical measures have been implemented to evaluate these functions. This technique is validated with two post-stroke subjects who practiced for 20 minutes twice a week during eight weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results show significant improvements in finger coordination, force modulation as well as finger independence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 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: Berna
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Salman
authors.forename: Vineet
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Theodore
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Milner
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gassert
authors.forename: Etienne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Burdet
authors.forename: Teo C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Leong
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome