This project originated from a study that our faculty advisor, David Reinkensmeyer, was a part of. The study, Robotic Assistance for Training Finger Movement Using a Hebbian Model: A Randomized Controlled Trial, was focused on determining the benefits of robotic assistance for finger rehabilitation and was conducted on 30 patients who experienced a stroke six months prior to the study. The patients were assisted by the FINGER robotic exoskeleton and it was paired up with a game similar to Guitar Hero. The main outcome of this study was that robotic assistance greatly motivated patients during recovery and increased motor outcomes. However, results indicated that patients with higher proprioception in their fingers benefited more from robotic assistance than those without proprioception. Therefore, there is a need for patients without proprioception in their hands to retrain their proprioceptors before using the FINGER robotic exoskeleton.

Develop a safe device and software for helping people to retrain their finger proprioception at home after stroke

Proprioception Joystick:
One hand is controlled by the robot and acts as a joystick
Device is attached to two fingers and moves them in two directions (extended and curled) at random rates
User’s hand is relaxed
Hand is placed in a box to prevent patients from seeing their fingers.
Other hand confirms action
Patient presses a button(s)
Connects to open source 2D video games

Add details.