The person suffering from hand paralysis as a result of a stroke or other brain injury poses a difficult problem for the hand therapist. Keeping the patient pain-free and the limb flexible are worthy goals, but do not address the underlying problem, which lies not in the limb but the brain.
At ANAPLASI, we employ innovative robotic technology to promote recovery using an advanced robotic glove. By providing intensive hand therapy, it stimulates the reorganization of cerebral neural networks (a process known as neuroplasticity), giving the therapist an additional tool to promote recovery.
We chose this particular robotic glove because it is easy to apply, adapting perfectly to each patient’s hand, while its soft fabric makes it comfortable to wear during treatment. A multitude of interactive games are available to make robotic therapy more interesting and enjoyable.
Apart from the simple opening and closing of the hand, this robotic glove system has multiple training modes to customize it according to the patient’s needs and abilities. Using the knowledge that increased patient engagement stimulates recovery, a multitude of therapeutic exercises can be incorporated into the therapy regimen:
- utilizing a second glove to control the robotic glove, worn either by the patient or the therapist,
- using the glove to perform everyday tasks relevant to the patient;
- a variation of the traditional mirror box technique.
In ANAPLASI, we also combine the robotic glove with Neuronavigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).
