Mechatronic design of a biofeedback based-hand exoskeleton for physical rehabilitation

Currently, the emergence of concepts of brain plasticity and motor learning has called for the research and development of new therapeutic approaches. However, the influence of conventional therapies was relatively limited to solve motor learning problems. Indeed, in some serious accidents or typical strokes, the patient requires continuous sessions of long-term rehabilitation for long periods of time. This task becomes boring for the patient and the physiotherapist. However, research has shown that a wounded brain could find connections and recover functions through the repetition of movements in a lasting and important way. The robotization stimulates the brain functions reached and allows to reactivate certain gestures and movements on new brain areas. In this context, we develop a prototype for hand rehabilitation. Actuated through 6 servomotors, the wearable hand exoskeleton enable patient to move the hand in an opening/closing movement as well as to move each finger apart. The robotic device is controlled through the Electromyography signal. The robot's movements are a response to the Electromyography (EMG) signals coming from the human hand muscles supposed to move the hand or the fingers.