Commercial device-based hand rehabilitation systems for stroke patients: State of the art and future prospects

Various hand rehabilitation systems have recently been developed for stroke patients, particularly commercial devices. Articles from 10 electronic databases from 2010 to 2022 were extracted to conduct a systematic review to explore the existing commercial training systems (hardware and software) and evaluate their clinical effectiveness. This review divided the rehabilitation equip-ment into contact and non-contact types. Game-based training protocols were further classified into two types: immersion and non-immersion. The results of the review indicated that the ma-jority of the devices included were effective in improving hand function. Users who underwent rehabilitation training with these devices reported improvements in their hand function. Game -based training protocols were particularly appealing as they helped reduce boredom during rehabilitation training sessions. However, the review also identified some common technical drawbacks in the devices, particularly in non-contact devices, such as their vulnerability to the effects of light. Additionally, it was found that currently, there is no commercially available game -based training protocol that specifically targets hand rehabilitation. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to develop safer non-contact rehabilitation equipment and more engaging training protocols for community and home-based rehabilitation. Additionally, the re-view suggests the need for revisions or the development of new clinical scales for hand reha-bilitation evaluation that consider the current scenario, where in-person interactions might be limited.

Automated summary

Recently, various hand rehabilitation systems, especially commercial devices, have been developed for stroke patients. A systematic review of articles from 2010 to 2022 was conducted to explore the existing commercial training systems and evaluate their clinical effectiveness. The review found that most devices were effective in improving hand function, and game-based training protocols were appealing in reducing boredom. However, technical drawbacks and the lack of commercially available game-based training protocols specifically targeting hand rehabilitation were identified.