Assisting hand function after spinal cord injury with a fabric-based soft robotic glove

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-018-0391-x · Published: May 29, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries often lead to reduced hand function, impacting daily life. This study explores a soft robotic glove made from fabric to help people with such injuries. The glove uses air-filled pockets to help the wearer open and close their hand, assisting with grasping objects. This design aims to be lightweight and comfortable for regular use. Tests showed that the glove improved the ability of participants with spinal cord injuries to manipulate everyday objects and increase lift force.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

9 participants with C4-C7 spinal cord injuries

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The soft robotic glove improved object manipulation in activities of daily living (ADL) tasks. The mean score difference between baseline and assisted conditions was significant across all participants and objects.
2
Lift force also increased when using the assistive soft robotic glove, demonstrating the effectiveness of the device in assisting hand function.
3
The glove improved the mean TRI-HFT scores of the object manipulation tests overall by 33.42 ± 15.43% relative to the maximum achievable score.

Research Summary

This study evaluated a fabric-based soft robotic glove designed to assist hand function in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The glove significantly improved object manipulation and lift force during activities of daily living, as measured by the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Hand Function Test (TRI-HFT). The results suggest the soft robotic glove is a promising assistive device for enhancing dexterity and strength in people with hand paralysis, paving the way for at-home and clinical use.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Independence

The glove can enable individuals with SCI to perform ADLs more independently, improving their quality of life.

Potential for Home Use

The portability and compliant design of the glove make it suitable for use in both clinical and home settings.

Foundation for Future Development

The study provides a basis for further development of soft robotic gloves with improved pinch grasp, integrated sensors, and closed-loop control systems.

Study Limitations

1
The glove did not perform an optimal pinch grasp with specific objects like the Ziploc bag filled with golf balls or the pencil.
2
The participants were unable to independently don the glove and suggested this feature in the next generation device.
3
For some of the older participants, the assistive glove negated decades of learned motor behaviors.

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