Project Title:
Hand Assistive and Rehabilitative Orthotic Device
Summary:
One of the most common of military injuries are musculoskeletal injuries (MSI), which are inflicted upon thousands of individuals through combat and occupational risks. In addition, there are several medical conditions (e.g., stroke, brachial plexus injuries, ALS, spinal cord injuries, etc.) that can lead to reduced hand function. The hands and arms of these individuals require treatment, assistance, and rehabilitation to restore function.
With funding from the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) Defense Health Program (DHP), LTI and its partners from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Debra Latour, OTR/L, are creating and functionally evaluating a low-profile, battery powered, lightweight, and aesthetic device that can provide actuation to the fingers to create functional grip strength. The device can be used outside the clinic to increase strength and range of motion to assist the user in accomplishing their activities of daily living (ADLs). The device provides a powered grip in two different modes: three jaw chuck and key grip. In the three jaw chuck mode, the thumb is supported by the device and the index and middle finger are assisted in creating the grip. In the key grip mode, the fingers are stationary and supported and thumb movement is assisted.
Funding:
This work is supported the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command under Contract No. W81XWH-15-C-0030. The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author(s) and should not be construed as an official Department of Army position, policy or decision unless so designated by other documentation. In the conduct of research where humans are the subjects, the investigator(s) adhered to the policies regarding the protection of human subjects as prescribed by Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 45, Volume 1, Part 46; Title 32, Chapter 1, Part 219; and Title 21, Chapter 1, Part 50 (Protection of Human Subjects).
Expected Completion Date:
November 2019
