Search Results (79)

This study explores the application of Eye-Tracking technology for the ergonomic evaluation of assistive device usability. Sixty-four participants evaluated six jar-opening devices in a two-phase study. First, the participants’ gaze was recorded while they viewed six rendered pictures of assistive devices, each shown in two different versions: with and without rubber in the grip area. Second, the participants physically interacted with the devices in a hands-on usability task. In both phases, participants rated the devices according to six usability affordances: robustness, comfort, easiness to grip, lid slippery, effort level, and easiness to use. Eye-Tracking metrics (fixation duration, number of fixations, and visit duration) correlated with the on-screen ratings, which aligned with ratings after using the physical devices. High ratings in comfort and effort level correlated with more visual attention to the grip area, where the rubber acted as key signifier. Heatmaps revealed the grip area as important for comfort and easiness to use and the lid area for robustness and slipperiness. These findings demonstrate the potential of Eye Tracking in usability studies, providing valuable insights for the ergonomic evaluation of assistive devices. Moreover, they highlight the suitability of Eye Tracking for early-stage design evaluation, offering objective metrics to guide design decisions and improve user experience. Full article

Cerebral palsy generates an elevated burden on both patients and health-care systems. Cost-effective therapies such as action observation therapy (AOT), have been proposed to enhance motor performance in these patients. Objective: This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of AOT in children and adolescents with CP and describe its prescription parameters. Results: Fourteen studies involving a total of 393 patients with CP were included. Most studies presented some concerns on risk of bias. Meta-analyses compared AOT to placebo (no motor content) observation and found inconclusive results for the following: unilateral upper limb function (g = 0.565; 95% CI −0.174, 1.305), assisting hand function during bimanual activities (g = 0.200; 95% CI −0.742, 1.143), manual function daily activities (g = −0.022; 95% CI −3.134, 3.090), and hand grip strength (MD (kg) = 1.175; 95% CI −0.280, 2.630). Meta-analysis comparing AOT and physical therapy also yielded inconclusive findings for standing (g = 0.363; 95% CI −5.172, 5.898), as well as the combined dimension of walking, standing, and jumping (g = 0.798; 95% CI −8.821, 10.417) within gross motor function. Conclusions: Current evidence is imprecise and does not support definitive conclusions regarding the effectiveness of AOT over placebo observation, or over physical therapy, on functional outcomes including upper limb, hand, and lower limb functioning parameters. Current findings prevent recommending AOT for its employment in clinical practice. Further evidence is required to draw precise conclusions. Full article

Background: Trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint arthritis is a common condition causing pain and functional limitations, particularly in activities requiring pinch and grip strength. Surgical options such as interposition trapeziectomy and prosthetic joint replacement have demonstrated varying degrees of success. However, the role of post-operative rehabilitation in optimizing outcomes for these procedures remains underexplored. Effective rehabilitation may be critical for restoring strength, range of motion (ROM), and overall hand function; yet, no consensus exists on the best approach for either surgical modality. This study aims to evaluate the impact of post-operative rehabilitation on functional and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing interposition trapeziectomy versus prosthetic replacement for TM joint arthritis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients treated for TM joint arthritis between November 2023 and October 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical procedure: interposition trapeziectomy and prosthetic replacement. Patients randomly followed post-operative rehabilitation protocols, auto-assisted exercises, or no type of rehabilitation. The outcomes assessed included pain (VAS), return to work or heavy activities, post-operative complications, hand function (DASH score), and patient satisfaction at 1 and 6 months after surgery. Results: The prosthesis group consisted of 30 patients, while 31 patients underwent interposition trapeziectomy. Patients in both groups showed good improvements in pain, ROM, and hand function post rehabilitation. The prosthetic group demonstrated a faster recovery of strength and higher early satisfaction scores, but in the long term, the results were overlapping. No significant differences were observed in long-term functional outcomes or patient satisfaction at 6 months. In the trapeziectomy group, for patients who followed a rehabilitation program, no significant differences were found. Conclusions: Post-operative rehabilitation finds its place in recovery after both interposition trapeziectomy and prosthetic replacement for TM joint arthritis. While prosthetic replacement allows for quicker functional recovery, interposition trapeziectomy offers comparable long-term results with a lower complication profile. Tailored rehabilitation protocols may enhance outcomes and should be considered an integral part of TM joint arthritis management in selected patients. Full article

In the context of Industry 5.0, Virtual Reality (VR) is transforming workforce training by enhancing skill acquisition and smart assistance to improve safety, among other things. This study presents a VR-based welding training simulator, developed in Unreal Engine 5 and deployed on Meta Quest 3, designed to teach and standardize soldering techniques through progressive training stations, interactive guidance, and real-time feedback. A mixed-methods evaluation, combining quantitative metrics (execution time, positioning errors, grip errors) and qualitative user feedback, demonstrated a significant reduction in execution time and elimination of errors in positioning and grip. Additionally, no errors were made in real-world soldering post-training, confirming a high transfer of learning and reduced variability in performance among users. These findings highlight VR as a viable and scalable alternative to traditional training, ensuring process consistency, reduced learning time, and increased training efficiency. Future work will explore enhanced haptic feedback and the integration of generative artificial intelligence to improve real-time analysis. Full article

This study aims to present the development of a wearable prototype device consisting of soft robotic gloves (SRGs), its integration into a wearable robotics platform for sensorimotor rehabilitation, and the device’s validation experiments with individuals suffering from impaired hand motor function due to neurological lesions. The SRG is tested and evaluated by users with spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke. The proposed system combines multiple-sensor arrays with pneumatic actuation to assist finger movement during grasping tasks. Evaluations on SCI and stroke patients revealed that the gloves consistently improved finger and grip performance. Detailed analyses indicated observable differences in sensor-derived features during actuation versus non-actuation, with statistically significant modifications appearing in both time-domain and frequency-domain metrics. Although the stroke participants exhibited greater variability, all participants were able to use the system reporting low discomfort and effort. The findings underscore the potential for personalized calibration to further optimize therapeutic outcomes. In summary, the study validates the utility of these gloves as assistive and rehabilitative modalities, and future research will focus on refining the device in the context of multimodal wearable robotics and individualized neurorehabilitation strategies. Full article

This paper introduces a new concept of a smart and sustainable tire based on a removable tread band: ECOTIRE. Current tires, though crucial for road information and vehicle control, such as braking, traction, and turning, remain disconnected from Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Additionally, their production, use, and recycling pose significant environmental challenges, requiring sustainable materials and lifecycle improvements. The ECOTIRE concept makes it possible to separate the part of the tire subject to wear and apply new materials with reduced environmental impact. At the same time, the service life of the casing is extended, facilitating the introduction of sensors that improve vehicle safety. This study explores the purely mechanical connection between the casing and tread, demonstrating the feasibility of this innovative tire structure while eliminating the need for rubber matrix-based materials for a proper bond between the two components. Experimental tests using a rubber sample to simulate the tire–road contact patch validate the effectiveness of the mechanical link under varying normal loads. Grip test results, measuring longitudinal and lateral forces, show promising performance. This advancement in tire technology marks a first step toward sustainability, tire performance, and smart integration, ultimately reducing environmental impact. Full article

The application of citrus-picking robotic hands in orchard environments is constrained by the diversity in fruit size and shape, as well as the need to control fruit damage during harvesting. To address this issue, this study proposes a passively compliant citrus-picking robotic hand and experimentally evaluates its performance. The robotic hand employs a spring-assisted grasping mechanism, optimizing the gripping force range and adjusting spring parameters to achieve passive, compliant encapsulation of citrus fruits of varying sizes while preventing damage. Furthermore, to accommodate citrus fruits with varying ellipticity, the robotic hand incorporates a floating linkage mechanism, enabling each finger to move independently under the control of a single stepper motor, thereby enhancing adaptability to morphological variations. Experimental results indicate that the robotic hand can reliably grasp citrus fruits of various sizes and ellipticities, and complete the harvesting process by rotating four times without applying tensile force, with a damage rate of only 2.6%. The proposed passively compliant robotic hand features a simple structure and strong adaptability, offering a reference for enhancing the applicability of citrus-picking robots in complex orchard environments. Future research will focus on further optimizing the robotic hand’s structure, improving harvesting efficiency, and exploring its adaptability in various operational environments. Full article

Background: Scaphoid reconstruction after an established non- or malunion is challenging and recent developments have shown the feasibility to reconstruct it with 3D-planned and -printed patient-specific instrumentation. Methods: Our study compared the clinical outcome of computer assisted 3D-reconstructions of the scaphoid using patient-specific guides for primary and revision reconstructions of scaphoid nonunion regarding clinical outcome. Therefore, 39 patients with primary scaphoid nonunion or malunion and 15 patients with nonunion or malunion after a previous operative treatment were treated with patient-specific guides and followed up for a mean of 10.5 months. The consolidation was assessed with a CT-scan, and the time to consolidation was recorded. Pain level, satisfaction, wrist range of motion, and grip strength were measured and compared. Results: The wrist range of motion and grip strength of the two groups were similar, except for the wrist extension, which was significantly reduced in the revision group. Consolidation was observed in 36/39 patients (92%) in the primary group and in 13/15 patients (87%) in the revision group. Our results showed similar clinical results postoperatively between primary reconstructions and revision surgery. Conclusions: The use of 3D-planned and -printed patient-specific instrumentation proves to be similarly effective in revision surgeries for the reconstruction of the scaphoid as it is in primary surgeries. Full article

Stroke-related hand dysfunction significantly limits the ability to perform daily activities. Pneumatic soft gloves can provide rehabilitation training and support for individuals with impaired hand function, enhancing their independence. This paper presents a novel pneumatic soft robotic system for hand rehabilitation featuring bidirectional bending actuators. The system comprises a pneumatic soft glove and a pneumatic control platform, enabling various rehabilitation gestures and assisting with finger grasping. The main bending module of the pneumatic soft actuator features a three-stage cavity structure, allowing for a wider range of finger rehabilitation training gestures and greater bending angles. The reverse-bending module uses a trapezoidal cavity design to enhance the reverse-bending capability, effectively facilitating finger extension motion. The pneumatic control platform is simple to set up, but effectively controls the actuators of the soft glove, which enables both main and reverse bending. This allows individuals with hand impairments to perform various gestures and grasp different objects. Experiments demonstrate that the pneumatic soft glove has a measurable load capacity. Additionally, the pneumatic soft glove system is capable of executing single-finger movements, a variety of rehabilitation gestures, and the ability to grasp different objects. This functionality is highly beneficial for the rehabilitation of individuals with hand impairments. Full article

Impairment of upper limb function is common after a stroke and is closely linked to decreased functional independence in activities of daily living. Robot-assisted training has been used in clinical settings to improve hand function in stroke patients; however, many existing devices are costly and require specialized training to operate. This study aimed to propose a novel powered hand exoskeleton (EO) and verify its effectiveness on upper extremity function in people with chronic stroke. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. Each participant underwent 30 min interventions twice a week for 8 weeks. The experimental group received 15 min of conventional therapy followed by 15 min of training with the powered hand EO, while the control group received 30 min of conventional therapy. The primary outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity function (FMA-UE), the Box and Block Test (BBT), and handgrip dynamometer. Assessments were conducted at baseline and then at 4-week intervals throughout the 8-week period. Results showed that, after the 8-week intervention, the average changes in FMA-UE scores for the experimental group were significantly greater than those for the control group (p < 0.01). A clear upward trend in both FMA-UE and BBT scores was observed in the EO group. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in the overall, proximal, and distal components of the FMA-UE scores (all p < 0.01) and in BBT scores (both p < 0.05) in the EO group compared to the control group at 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. However, no significant differences in grip strength were observed between the groups at either time point. Our findings suggest that the proposed powered hand EO is both feasible and safe for training the impaired hand in stroke survivors. Given the characteristics of the device, it has potential for use in hand rehabilitation aimed at regaining upper extremity function. Full article

Physical inactivity is a major global public health concern, and table tennis offers a low-impact, engaging way to promote physical activity across various age groups. However, many beginners struggle to maintain effective participation due to their lower skill levels. Therefore, the development and reinforcement of stable grip techniques is crucial because it will help beginners achieve sustainable improvements in performance. This will provide additional opportunities to increase physical activity, and therefore overall health, across all age groups. Thus, in this study, we investigate the effects of a prototype table tennis handle on the racket angle and performance of beginners. The prototype handle features a 20° tilt to assist the player in maintaining a stable topspin forehand grip during play. The participants were randomized into three groups, Groups A, B, and C, which used the prototype handle, standard handle, and practiced with the prototype but performed tests with the standard handle, respectively. The participants executed topspin forehand strokes in approximately 30 min of practice, and data on racket angles, swing mechanics, success rates, and ball landing positions were collected. The results showed that Group A exhibited a larger racket open angle and a smaller racket face Angle than the other groups. However, the groups showed no significant differences in hit positions or overall success rates. Our results suggest that although the prototype handle can influence racket angles and some performance aspects, individual differences and swing mechanics should be considered. Full article

Background: Orthodontic treatment involves moving teeth within the alveolar ridge. Bone remodeling is associated with the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Procedures such as corticotomy-assisted orthodontic therapy (CAOT) or periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) are intended to reduce bone density and negative stress on the grip side and therefore limit bone resorption during orthodontic movement or add bone substitute material so that the tooth does not cross the vestibular plate. Methods: The study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The study design was defined in the PICO format—Population (P): patients with full permanent dentition, both adolescents and adults; Intervention (I): orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances using additional supportive treatments such as CAOT or PAOO; Comparison (C): assessment of the impact of additional treatments during orthodontic treatment on the remodeling of the alveolar bone and the condition of the periodontium; Result (O): statistically significant/non-significant differences in the condition of the alveolar bone before and after orthodontic treatment. Search filters include the time of publication of the article, systematic reviews from the last five years, and publications that appeared in English. The information provided in the abstracts of systematic reviews that describe the effects of additional procedures during orthodontic treatment such as CAOT or PAOO on the health of periodontium was analyzed. Articles unrelated to the subject of the planned study and those in which tooth movement acceleration was analyzed were excluded. Results: Eight articles were selected in which a total number of 835 subjects took part. The changes in bone density and effects on periodontium were different after CAOT and PAOO. Conclusions: The validity of CAOT and PAOO procedures remains controversial. Better results are obtained when combined with tissue augmentation or thickening of the gingival phenotype rather than as stand-alone procedures, as their uses to protect periodontal tissues are limited. Full article

This paper introduces a novel approach to robotic assistance in bottle opening using the dual-arm robot TIAGo++. The solution enhances accessibility by addressing the needs of individuals with injuries or disabilities who may require help with common manipulation tasks. The aim of this paper is to propose a method involving vision, manipulation, and learning techniques to effectively address the task of bottle opening. The process begins with the acquisition of bottle and cap positions using an RGB-D camera and computer vision. Subsequently, the robot picks the bottle with one gripper and grips the cap with the other, each by planning safe trajectories. Then, the opening procedure is executed via a position and force control scheme that ensures both grippers follow the unscrewing path defined by the cap thread. Within the control loop, force sensor information is employed to control the vertical axis movements, while gripper rotation control is achieved through a Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) algorithm trained to determine the optimal angle increments for rotation. The results demonstrate the successful training of the learning agent. The experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method in bottle opening with the TIAGo++ robot, showcasing the practical viability of the approach. Full article

Over the past few years, interest in wearable exoskeleton gloves has grown. These tools can be used to help those who are healthy or to support those who have neurological and musculoskeletal conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, etc. The hand, which is the human body’s most flexible limb, encounters more difficult problems and recovers considerably more slowly than the lower and upper limbs. In light of these difficulties, a novel therapy called exoskeleton-based rehabilitation has gained increased significance. In this work, we concentrate on creating a wearable exoskeleton glove that is inexpensive to improve the user’s grasping abilities. The tool significantly raises the user’s gripping capacity, which raises their quality of life. The exoskeleton glove is designed to assist human hands with limited mobility during the motion rehabilitation process and to improve the grasping and dexterous manipulation capabilities of the hands of both impaired and able-bodied individuals. The proposed model consists of two types of systems, mainly the tendon driven system and the pneumatic system. The tendon-driven system is the system that helps in the flexion and extension movements of the hand. The efficiency of the exoskeleton glove is evaluated by performing the basic movements of hand like abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension. The developed hybrid exoskeleton glove can efficiently enhance the grasping capabilities of its users, offering, affordable, lightweight and easy-to-operate solutions that can assist in the execution of activities of daily living (ADL). Full article

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) presents a high burden on the healthcare system. However, no alternative treatments are provided during the waiting period. In addition, the incidence of severe patients with comorbidities is underestimated. The aim of this study was to determine whether nerve mechanical interface treatment improves the symptoms, function, and quality of life in pre-surgical CTS patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial and intention-to-treat analysis were carried out. Forty-two patients with an electrodiagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, included on the surgery waiting list of a public healthcare system, were analyzed. The intervention group (n = 20) received a 45 min session/per week of instrument-assisted manual therapy (diacutaneous fibrolysis) for 3 weeks. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was the primary outcome. The symptoms, mechanical threshold, grip strength, mechanosensitivity of the median nerve, quality of life, and patient satisfaction were included as secondary outcomes. The control group (n = 22) remained on the waiting list. Results: The intervention seems to be beneficial for the BCTQ score (function and symptoms scale), pain, and mechanosensitivity after treatment, at the 3 and 6 months follow-up (p < 0.05). Kinesiophobia was improved at 6 months (p = 0.043; η² = 0.10) and the mechanical threshold at the 3-month follow-up (p = 0.048; η² = 0.10). No differences were identified for grip strength. At 6 months, the intervention group patients were satisfied (100%), as opposed to the controls, who felt that they had experienced a worsening of their condition (50.1%). Conclusions: Nerve mechanical interface treatment improved the symptoms, function, and quality of life in pre-surgical CTS patients. One hundred percent of the treated patients, characterized as moderate and severe CTS with associated comorbidities, were satisfied. Full article