New actuator improves finger extension in rehab gloves

Key Highlights:

• The FPA enables bidirectional motion, crucial for mimicking natural finger joint movements.
• The actuator comprises a foldable structure that expands when pressurized, providing the necessary force for finger extension.
• The innovation maintains the existing flexion functionality of fiber-reinforced elastomer-based actuators used in the gloves.

Professor Yu shared the motivation behind the study: "Despite having partial hand function, many older people with hand function-related disabilities whom I've come across require the full attention of the healthcare staff. I wondered if an efficient and safe assistive device could bolster their hand function for daily activities, thus helping them enjoy their life better. Imagine their joy in eating their meals using their hands to manipulate spoons or chopsticks!" The FPA has indeed brought the world one step closer to this reality.

The research team, including Dr. Shota Kokubu and Mr. Pablo E. Tortós Vinocour from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering at Chiba University, tested the FPA on a synthetic finger model. The integrated soft actuator produced sufficient torque for required finger movements, demonstrating a joint bending torque of 0.17 Newton meters (Nm) and an estimated straightening torque of 0.12 Nm.

Clinical applications:

• The enhanced glove design holds potential for significant clinical applications, including telerehabilitation and use in care facilities.
• The inherent safety, high functionality, and wearability of the FPA make it suitable for assisting daily living activities in an aging society.

Professor Yu suggested future designs of soft rehabilitation gloves could benefit from enhanced manufacturing precision and improved control systems to support joint-specific rehabilitation. This could further optimize the gloves' effectiveness and broaden their application scope.

The development of the foldable pouch actuator (FPA) marks a significant advancement in the field of soft rehabilitation gloves. By enabling bidirectional finger movements, this technology offers new hope to patients with hand function-related disabilities. The integration of the FPA not only enhances rehabilitation but also provides essential assistance in daily activities, improving the quality of life for many individuals worldwide.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Chiba University