Upper limb and grasp rehabilitation and evaluation of stroke patients using HenRiE device

Abstract

This paper presents a case study with a HenRiE (Haptic environment for reaching and grasping exercises) device with two hemiparetic subjects. The HenRiE device is intended for use in a robot-aided neurorehabilitation for training of reaching and grasping in haptic environments. The goal of the study is to develop a single system that retrains both hand grasping and releasing movements (which are essential to perform activities of daily living) and arm movements. The system combines a haptic interface and a grasping device, which is mounted on the end-effector of the haptic interface. The paper focuses on experimental training sessions with two hemiparetic subjects. Results show favourable effect both on arm and grasping.