空気圧ソフトアクチュエータを用いた手指リハビリテーション支援装置の研究

(周辺機器の小型・最適化に関する検討)

抄録

In this paper, we describe rehabilitation (hereafter referred to as "rehabilitation") is necessary to improve the quality of life (QOL) and reintegration into society for those who have lost the use of their hands and fingers due to accidents or diseases. Rehabilitation is performed in stages by qualified physical therapists and occupational therapists, and includes splint therapy to release contractures, joint range-of-motion exercises to normalize joint function, and muscle strengthening exercises to restore muscle strength necessary for daily activities. Ideally, these rehabilitation activities should be continued on a daily basis.

It is said that rehabilitation for the elderly should be conducted seamlessly in a familiar community with the patient at the center of the rehabilitation program. However, it is difficult for patients whose homes are located in remote areas or who require assistance for transportation to go to the hospital. Therefore, the authors are conducting research on a device that supports rehabilitation at home in order to improve the continuity of rehabilitation.

However, the rehabilitation support devices currently available are large and very heavy, with compressors, vacuum pumps, and other equipment, making it difficult to use them at home.

Therefore, this study aims to reduce the size and weight of the rehabilitation support device and to improve the rehabilitation glove accordingly.