Hand of Hope

The Hand of Hope (HOH) is a therapy device (exoskeleton) used for neuromuscular rehabilitation of the hand and forearm. HOH functions as a biofeedback device where surface electromyography (sEMG) electrodes depict voluntary muscle activation. The depicted signals are processed and simplified, and can be seen by a convenient presentation of visual feedback. The sEMG readout enables patients to monitor the fundamental neuromuscular functional state. Therefore, impairment, functional limitation and impaired volitional movement due to stroke or other neurologic or orthopaedic diseases can be easily presented and utilized by a sensory signal. Patient’s attention is drawn to the task through a visually displayed sEMG signal and consequently used for the initiation of the motor task. This biofeedback mechanism promotes motor learning via interactive use. In particular, stroke is one of the leading causes of adult disability, and hand rehabilitation after stroke is a very challenging part thereof. However, it is well known that sensory signals such as visual sensory inputs reach the motor cortex and modulate motor cortex function and excitability, and therefore can improve motor learning. Since active participation and initiation of the movement is the key to success, using the biofeedback system, HOH motivates patients to actively interact with the system during an sEMG controlled task-related training regime