Hand of Hope

Description

The Hand of Hope (HOH) is a therapy device (exoskeleton) used for neuromuscular rehabilitation of the hand and forearm. HOHfunctions as a biofeedback device where surface electromyography (sEMG) electrodes depict voluntary muscle activation. Thedepicted signals are processed and simplified, and can be seen by a convenient presentation of visual feedback. The sEMGreadout enables patients to monitor the fundamental neuromuscular functional state. Therefore, impairment, functional limitationand impaired volitional movement due to stroke or other neurologic or orthopaedic diseases can be easily presented and utilizedby a sensory signal. Patient’s attention is drawn to the task through a visually displayed sEMG signal and consequently used forthe initiation of the motor task. This biofeedback mechanism promotes motor learning via interactive use. In particular, stroke isone of the leading causes of adult disability, and hand rehabilitation after stroke is a very challenging part thereof. However, it iswell known that sensory signals such as visual sensory inputs reach the motor cortex and modulate motor cortex function andexcitability, and therefore can improve motor learning. Since active participation and initiation of the movement is the key tosuccess, using the biofeedback system, HOH motivates patients to actively interact with the system during an sEMG controlledtask-related training regime

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