Exploring the Design of a Simultaneous, Parallel, Discrete Joint Control Orthosis for Hand Rehabilitation

Abstract

This project explores the design of a hand orthosis for rehabilitation which builds upon several pre-existing designs to create a novel mechanism which can provide targeted therapy to one or more discrete joints simultaneously across the lower forearm. This work expands upon and improves the capabilities of hand orthoses to move beyond common design limitations such as controlling only entire fingers or immobilizing crucial regions such as the wrist.