Effectiveness of a Soft Robotic Glove to Assist Hand Function in Stroke Patients: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose. Stroke patients have difficulty performing tasks using their paretic hands. There are limited data on the effects of using a soft robotic glove to assist with hand function. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a soft robotic glove in assisting hand function in stroke patients. Methods. This study was a cross-sectional pilot study. Twenty stroke patients with partial or complete hand weakness were recruited from a rehabilitation centre. The Box and Block Test (BBT) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) were performed under two conditions: with and without use of the soft robotic glove. The order of the conditions was randomly assigned by a computer-generated program. Results. BBT scores increased 6.4 blocks when using the soft robotic glove (p<0.001). ARAT grasp, grip, pinch, and overall scores increased by 27.08% (p<0.01), 28.75% (p<0.001), 15.89% (p<0.01), and 21.15% (p<0.001), respectively, using the glove versus not using the glove. Conclusions. The findings of this study suggest that using a soft robotic glove can assist a poststroke paretic hand in executing grasp, grip, and pinch.