Development of a portable actuated orthotic glove to facilitate gross extension of the digits for therapeutic training after stroke.

An externally actuated glove, controlled by a microprocessor, is being developed to assist finger extension in stroke survivors. The goal of this device is to allow repeated practice of specific tasks for hand therapy in a home environment. The user can control the device by three different means: voice recognition, electromyography, or manual control. These inputs can be used either independently or in combination according to the needs of the user. Both position and force feedback are available for control and safety. Initial testing of the prototype has shown promising performance.