A Cutting-Edge Design Approach for Upper Limb Orthoses Aiding Hand Rehabilitation with Electrical Stimulation
摘要
Recent advances in orthotic devices incorporate active components aimed at enhancing human functional performance by either delivering or absorbing energy. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) via surface electrodes represents a significant development in this field, offering substantial therapeutic potential. However, a primary challenge lies in the precise positioning of these electrodes, which is crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes. In order to address this challenge, a 3D-printed orthotic device capable of accurately positioning electrodes on the forearm is proposed. To achieve customization according to the patient’s unique anatomical features and optimal electrode positions, a comprehensive arm scan precedes the design and fabrication of the orthoses. The design procedure employs commercial software and is automatable. Additive manufacturing techniques are well-suited for the production of the resulting complex geometries. Preliminary results indicate that the approach is viable and that the solution has the potential to increase accessibility to the technology and patient independence.