Abstract
Passive rehabilitation devices, providing motivation and feedback, potentially offer an automated and low-cost therapy method, and can be used as simple human–machine interfaces. Here, we ask whether there is any advantage for a hand-training device to be elastic, as opposed to rigid, in terms of performance and preference. To address this question, we have developed a highly sensitive and portable digital handgrip, promoting independent and repetitive rehabilitation of grasp function based around a novel elastic force and position sensing structure. A usability study was performed on 66 healthy subjects to assess the effect of elastic versus rigid handgrip control during various visuomotor tracking tasks. The results indicate that, for tasks relying either on feedforward or on feedback control, novice users perform significantly better with the elastic handgrip, compared with the rigid equivalent (11% relative improvement, 9–14% mean range; p < 0.01). Furthermore, there was a threefold increase in the number of subjects who preferred elastic compared with rigid handgrip interaction. Our results suggest that device compliance is an important design consideration for grip training devices.
Highlights
Interaction with the environment involves the exchange of forces while manipulation requires skillful force control and is a sensitive measure of motor condition [1,2]
The results presented reveal advantages of the elastic interaction over pure isometric information for grip control, alongside the influence of different factors on performance and preferences during the different interaction modalities
Appendix A describes in more detail reasons behind this choice of W alongside sensitivity analysis highlighting that the performance differences between the devices is not strongly affected by the choice of W
Summary
Interaction with the environment involves the exchange of forces while manipulation requires skillful force control and is a sensitive measure of motor condition [1,2]. Isometric training has been shown to enable the learning of force fields applied on virtual movements associated with the exerted isometric force and that this learning transferred to real (isotonic) movements [7,8]. Such systems for isometric control or strength do not support the kinematic aspect of training which is an intrinsic part of manipulation and activities of daily living (ADLs) [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
