Flint Rehabilitation Devices (Irvine, CA) is bringing to market its MusicGlove rehabilitation device for people recovering from a stroke and other conditions that affect hand movement. The device has sensors built-in that detect the movement of the fingers. The user is given a video game to play that looks and works similar to GuitarHero, requiring the player to move fingers in tune with the music and on-screen buttons that light up.
The system comes ready to play, either with the included tablet for the home version or a 21-inch monitor for the clinical version. The MusicGlove received FDA approval and the home version doesn’t require a prescription to purchase.
From the announcement:
In addition to being fun and effective, MusicGlove changes the way clinics provide hand therapy. The device requires minimum intervention from a therapist while users play the game, so clinics can provide more intensive group therapy without increasing staff. MusicGlove also records accurate quantitative data that allows therapists to set goals for their patients and track functional improvements over time. The low price and ease of use of MusicGlove is a breath of fresh air for clinics that typically do not have access to other smart rehabilitation technology and equipment that can cost over $50,000USD and require advanced training to use.
Results of a randomized controlled trial of MusicGlove with individuals with stroke published in the Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation showed that people using MusicGlove had significantly greater improvements in hand function than people doing conventional hand exercises after only two weeks. Users reported regaining the ability to open doorknobs, type on a keyboard, wash dishes, use silverware, bathe and wash themselves, and use the restroom independently after exercising with the device.
Product page: MusicGlove…
Relevant study in Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation: Retraining and assessing hand movement after stroke using the MusicGlove: comparison with conventional hand therapy and isometric grip training…
