Hand Rehabilitation and Telemonitoring through Smart Toys

Sensors (Basel). 2019 Dec 13;19(24):5517. doi: 10.3390/s19245517.

Abstract

We describe here a platform for autonomous hand rehabilitation and telemonitoring of young patients. A toy embedding the electronics required to sense fingers pressure in different grasping modalities is the core element of this platform. The system has been realized following the user-centered design methodology taking into account stakeholder needs from start: clinicians require reliable measurements and the ability to get a picture remotely on rehabilitation progression; children have asked to interact with a pleasant and comfortable object that is easy to use, safe, and rewarding. These requirements are not antithetic, and considering both since the design phase has allowed the realization of a platform reliable to clinicians and keen to be used by young children.

Keywords: 3D printing; emotional design; exergames; hand rehabilitation; hand surgery; pressure sensing; smart objects; wireless communication.

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Hand / physiology*
  • Hand Strength / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Play and Playthings*
  • Pressure
  • Wireless Technology