Gamified orthosis for muscle rehabilitation: escape splint

Hand rehabilitation is typically indicated for regaining lost function or reducing pain after injuries, surgeries, or conditions affecting the hand and wrist. This study presents a novel approach to hand rehabilitation using 3D scanning and printing for a customized, inexpensive, and engaging training device. The device aims to motivate patients and improve compliance with rehabilitation exercises. Due to individual 3D-scanning and manufacturing via 3D printing, each personalized hand training device provides a comfortable fit for a specific patient, enhancing efficiency of physical hand rehabilitation program. This hand training device can be beneficial in addressing hand muscle stiffness that occurs following certain hand injuries, such as fractures. In these situations, therapies and exercises are crucial for resolving muscle stiffness, and this orthosis can be a helpful aid. Furthermore, the design incorporates gamified elements on both the dorsal and finger aspects of the hand. The dorsal surface features a labyrinth game specifically designed to promote wrist joint and muscle mobility in hand rehabilitation. These game elements offer the potential for progressive difficulty levels, allowing for tailored rehabilitation programs as patients improve. Moreover, the fingers integrate a musical game that motivates patients to engage in finger flexion and extension movements, generating various sounds. Additionally, a flex sensor embedded within the wrist section continuously monitors the degree of wrist flexion, enabling assessment of patient progress and objective data collection for treatment optimization. A Feedback from occupational therapists suggests that using games in hand rehabilitation is a promising approach, motivating patients, especially children, to adhere to therapy and potentially achieve better outcomes. The output from the flex sensor can be a valuable tool for monitoring hand movements, allowing therapists to assess progress and determine if any adjustments in planned rehabilitation activities are necessary.