Innovative Hand Rehabilitation System With Synchronized Contralateral Haptic Feedback

Previous studies have found that graded motor imagery (GMI) training can provide continuous activation of the cerebral cortex compared to traditional rehabilitation therapy. One of the steps in this strategy, mirror therapy, has also been widely used in the clinical treatment of hemiplegic patients. Also, comparing with traditional rehabilitation treatments, mirror therapy can continuously provide cortical activation. Besides, several studies indicated that game-based interventions contribute to brain activation in the elderly due to their interest can improve users' motivation in the training program execution. In addition, force control training has positive effects on hand dexterity, and specific doses of motor control training not only improve motor function but also have positive effects on brain function.

Currently, hand function training primarily focuses on range of motion, strength, and hand function, although there is comparatively less emphasis on enhancing both force control and brain function. Moreover, studies related to mirror therapy has primarily focused on the execution of functional movements, but has not explored whether hand strength control training can achieve the same training effects on the affected or non-dominant side through the concept of mirror therapy. Furthermore, the effects of combining a hand strength control system with a synchronous contralateral clip-on force feedback device on brain activation and hand function have not yet been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of integration a finger force control training system with synchronous contralateral force feedback and mirror visual feedback device on brain activation and hand function, aiming to develop a clinically applicable hand rehabilitation system. Additionally, visual feedback from force control training in our study is through the hints displayed virtually on the game interface of the tablet, which were represented as the height of the targets, not as typical as actual movement-based mirror therapy or task-based mirror therapy.

Therefore, the purpose of the study is to understand the differences among training effects of integrating Graded-Pressure Haptic Device-TiPR closed-loop system and MVF; MVF and force control training, as well as isolated force control training, and to explore the training effects on hand strength, hand function and brain activation.