Design and evaluation of a low-cost instrumented glove for hand function assessment

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2012 · DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-9-2 · Published: January 17, 2012

Assistive Technology Neurorehabilitation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study focused on creating a glove that can measure how well people can use their hands, especially after they've had a stroke or spinal cord injury. The goal was to develop a cheap and easy-to-use glove that can accurately track finger movements during everyday tasks. The glove uses special sensors to measure how much the fingers bend. The researchers tested different sensors to find the most reliable ones. They also developed a way to turn the sensor readings into angle measurements, making it easier to understand the data. The glove was tested on healthy people and patients with hand problems. The tests showed that the glove is reliable and can accurately measure finger movements. The patients also found the glove easy to use, suggesting it could be helpful in clinics and rehab centers.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

10 healthy subjects, 4 cSCI patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
A stable sensor type was identified, achieving a high sensor resolution of 0.5 degrees.
2
The glove demonstrated high reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values ranging from 0.84 to 0.92 and an accuracy error of approximately ± 5°.
3
Feasibility testing indicated the glove's sensitivity in distinguishing varying degrees of hand function impairment in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI).

Research Summary

The study designed and evaluated a low-cost instrumented glove, called the NeuroAssess Glove, for assessing hand function in clinical and rehabilitation settings. The glove uses resistive bend sensors and a pre-measured voltage-to-angle conversion system to accurately track finger joint movements during activities of daily living (ADL). Results showed the glove to be reliable (ICC values of 0.84-0.92), accurate (± 5° error), and feasible for distinguishing different levels of hand function impairment in cSCI patients.

Practical Implications

Clinical Assessment Tool

The NeuroAssess Glove offers a precise and objective method for evaluating hand function, which can supplement traditional clinical assessments.

Rehabilitation Monitoring

The glove can be used to track progress during rehabilitation by quantifying changes in finger kinematics as patients perform ADL tasks.

Ergonomic Improvements

Future designs should focus on using thinner, non-skid materials to enhance the glove's comfort and user experience.

Study Limitations

1
The sample size of cSCI patients was small (n=4), limiting the generalizability of the feasibility findings.
2
The glove's design focused primarily on the index finger and thumb, with only wrist movements partially monitored.
3
Some patients reported stiffness and slipperiness issues with the glove material, which affected prehension.

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