Rehabilitation of the future

AN INNOVATIVE system to support the rehabilitation of patients with impaired hand movement provides effective neuromotor treatment through a light and comfortable glove that mobilises MP, PIP and DIP finger joints, whilst the patient can follow the exercise through the 3D animation on the screen, anticipates the future. The modularity and simplicity of the GLOREHA (Hand Rehabilitation Glove), developed by the Italian company Idrogenet, allows various and longer therapies, with a minimal overview by the therapists. No intrusive exoskeleton is fitted on the patient, but just a light glove that allows free movements of the arm and reaching exercises. The palm of the patient is completely free as well to allow grasping exercises.

Through Gloreha, the patient’s hand movements are connected with video and audio effects that are designed to stimulate, intensify and enrich the therapies dedicated to the functional hand recovery in neurological patients. The glove allows the regulation of the range of motion for each finger, as well as speed and duration. To stimulate the neurocognitive and functional recovery of patients, the glove can mobilise the metacarpus-phalangeal and interphalangeal joints of all fingers of the hand. It can also move fingers smoothly, both individually and simultaneously as well as allow several exercises, such as fist closure, grasping, counting, and functional tasks like pouring and picking up objects.

Physiotherapists can plan therapies and basic exercises according to patient’s requirements. The patient can see a virtual preview of the exercise, and then follow the movement, stimulated with a 3D graphical simulation that is simultaneous to the movement. Video and audio effects (colours, tones and sounds) are associated to flexion-extension movements to stimulate the patients during the exercises.

After discharging from the rehabilitative clinic, the “Gloreha Lite” model, or the home version of the glove, can be used directly by the patients for a home treatment. Personalised therapies can be stored in a SD memory card in order for the patient to proceed with the treatment at home.