Robotic Glove Assists Stroke Survivors

A robotic glove designed to help stroke sufferers regain movement in their hands and rebuild their muscles has been developed as part of a multi-nation collaborative project spearheaded by Farshid Amirabdollahian, from the University of Hertfordshire (United Kingdom).  SCRIPT (Supervised Care and Rehabilitation Involving Personal Tele-robotics) facilitates repetitive movement and exercise of the hand and wrist of stroke patients.  The robotic glove is fitted with sensors that allow patients’ progress to be monitored and assessed by both patient and therapist.  The research team reports that 34 subjects have been tested using the glove in tandem with specially-designed computer games, with encouraging results:  the glove aims to counter the common stroke-related effect of a semi-permanent clenched hand, with a flexed wrist, by conducting repetitive exercises to enhance motion.