Using a robotic interface and haptic feedback to improve grip coordination of hand function following stroke — Case study

This paper presents preliminary data on investigating the effect of a novel grip coordination exercise using a robotic interface to improve coordination between wrist and fingers following stroke. Pilot data from a post-stroke subject indicates that after receiving 4 weeks (1 hour × 3 days per week) of grip coordination training, the subject significantly reduced the grip force used in performing the grasp and twist task and avoided using excessive force to stabilize the object. The grip force after training was more similar to control performance. In addition, the parallel coupling of grip force and load torque as well as close amplitude coupling of force produced by the thumb and the rest of the fingers increased and became more similar to that of control subjects.