Engineering and experimental evaluation of a smart wireless glove for gamified upper limb rehabilitation in Parkinson's disease.

BackgroundUpper extremity rehabilitation is critical for individuals with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, where motor impairments significantly affect daily functionality.ObjectiveThis study presents the design and prototyping of a novel rehabilitation glove aimed at improving hand and wrist motor recovery through gamified therapy.MethodsThe proposed glove features wireless communication via a Wi-Fi network, adaptability to various hand sizes, and an integrated strength training mechanism using resistance bands and metal hooks. The glove consists of a lightweight forearm frame, a palm component, and a textile glove with embedded mechanical connectors, all designed based on anthropometric data. 3D printing techniques were employed using PLA and flexible TPU materials to create a modular, low-cost, and comfortable structure. The system interfaces with an interactive game, allowing users to control an avatar (bee) through hand movements, promoting motivation and active engagement.ResultsThe prototype effectively addresses key limitations of previous rehabilitation systems, including mobility, comfort, adaptability, and functionality.ConclusionThe proposed rehabilitation glove offers a promising solution for home-based neurorehabilitation.