On Understanding the Role of Exoskeleton Robots in Hand Rehabilitation: A Brief Review

Abstract

Hand rehabilitation has been widely studied since it affects the life quality and independence of those affected. Hand impairment can be caused by several conditions, among them strokes and other cerebrovascular accidents, affecting the capabilities of those who survive them in performing the activities of daily living (ADL). Rehabilitation seeks to restore the ability of a person to perform these crucial ADL. There is a current trend in using robotic rehabilitation and other industry 4.0 tools since it can provide a safe, intensive, and task-oriented at a relatively low cost, which can be combined with other technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, BCI, haptics, and others. Moreover, it can provide accessibility in the face of current panoramas such as COVID-19. Hand exoskeleton robots are one of the most extended robotic devices for rehabilitation. However, a design adapted to the patient's needs is necessary to achieve their capability fully and succeed in rehabilitation. One of the main challenges is that several considerations and parameters affect these devices' design and the broad approaches that can be followed. This brief review aims to understand and empathize as a source of inspiration during the design process of hand exoskeleton robots for rehabilitation.