Supplementary Haptic Framework for Dexterous Rehabilitation

In this work we propose a supplementary haptic framework for dexterous training during rehabilitation. Based on a variety of goal-oriented tasks in a form of puzzles and a set of specifically designed objects, we aim to improve the dexterity and the sense of touch of the impaired hand and fingers w.r.t. different shapes and shape features, such as curved surfaces, edges, vertices and holes. Central to our framework is the Modular Haptic Stimulus Board (MHSB). Within the MHSB elementary shapes can be combined into a large variety of complex shape patterns. This, in turn, enables us to recreate a large set of simple environmental scenarios and to suit a large set of goal-oriented tasks. Through such modular design the framework is suitable for goal-directed training on different complexity levels in a variety of scenarios, such as haptic object discrimination, haptic memory exercises and haptic search. Based on a multimodal recording setup, including haptic glove [1], Vicon system, a microphone and video, the framework provides the necessary infrastructure for automatic evaluation of recovery progress and a detailed movement analysis. Based on this analysis, objects or tasks that pose most problems during training can be automatically included in the future training schedule. A preliminary study with healthy individuals has been conducted to test the framework. Clinical trials still need to be conducted.