The Netherlands' seven collaborating rehabilitation centres are taking part in the iHand study. The study revolves around the CarbonHand robotic glove that supports patients whose hand does not function optimally, stimulates the use of this hand and thus increases their independence. What exactly is the CarbonHand?
A variety of patients, ranging from orthopaedic patients, rheumatoid arthritis patients, patients with incomplete spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and stroke patients, may suffer from one or more impaired hand(s). As a result, they need personal assistance and/or aids to perform daily actions.
Supporting grip movement
The CarbonHand helps this group of patients make better use of their hands by strengthening the grip and thereby supporting the grasping movement. This enables patients with limited hand function to use their hand more often in their daily lives. This not only leads to greater independence, but can also ensure improved hand function over time.
The CarbonHand is being researched within the iHand project, the primary aim of which is to assess the effect of the robotic glove on maximum grip strength in patients with hand function impairment. To test this, patients participating in the project will be given a CarbonHand to take home, which they may use in their home situation for six weeks. In addition, the study will examine arm/hand function, the degree of use of the glove and the subjects' quality of life.
Facilitating normal movement patterns
The CarbonHand is a development by Swedish company Bioservo Technologies. The CarbonHand is a glove described by the manufacturer as a "grip-enhancing device that facilitates normal movement patterns". The glove does not take control of the hand from the patient, but supports hand function where necessary.
The solution consists of two units: a glove and a lightweight power supply. The total package weighs about 700 grams. The CarbonHand is connected to a smartphone app, which allows the user to adjust the maximum support provided by the glove. This allows the operation of the CarbonHand to be tailored to the user's specific needs.
Available in different sizes
The CarbonHand is available in different sizes, ranging from XS to XL and an extra-wide XL version. In addition, the CarbonHand is available in a version for left-handed and right-handed users. When the glove is put on, three of the five fingers are supported. The glove features three motors, with each finger supported by its own motor. The CarbonHand also includes a control unit, both of which can be attached to the user's belt. This control unit is connected to the glove by a wire. This wire is available in four lengths, allowing it to be tailored to the patient's body length. The glove runs on batteries, which, like the control unit, can be attached to the user's belt. These are rechargeable batteries, which can power the CarbonHand for about a day.
The glove is suitable for patients who are able to flex and extend their fingers at least ten degrees; it is not necessary to be able to fully extend all five fingers. It is also suitable for patients with mild spasms that can be treated with, for example, botox. Bioservo states that the CarbonHand is currently most commonly used by patients with:
- local arm or hand injury
- Overuse injury
- rheumatic complaints
- neurological injury or neurological disorders
- traumatic or congenital brain injury
- spinal cord injury
Coordinated by Roessingh Research and Development
The CarbonHand specimens used during the study are being made available by Bioservo. This Swedish company has engaged Roessingh Research and Development to coordinate the study. Seven Dutch (rehabilitation) centres are participating in the iHand study. They are Groningen's UMCG Centre for Rehabilitation, Zwolle's Isala, Amsterdam's Reade Rehabilitation/Rheumatology, Rotterdam's Rijndam Rehabilitation, Utrecht's De Hoogstraat, Nijmegen's Sint Maartenskliniek and Enschede's Roessingh, Centre for Rehabilitation. The contract research organisation Clinical Trial Service is involved in the project in conducting and monitoring the study.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
