Design of a soft, additively manufactured, hand rehabilitation tool for personalized at-home treatment: the GripDome

Stroke survivors often face significant upper limb impairments, necessitating frequent therapy and rehabilitation to regain function. However, frequent visits to medical centers for treatment sessions pose challenges to the patient. We present GripDome V2, an enhanced prototype for customizable grip strength measurement and rehabilitation. It enables unsupervised home use, improving accessibility. The device features an inflatable silicone dome connected to a PLA base, with grip strength measured via a pressure transducer and microcontroller, by which the patient’s progress can be measured and quantified. The prototype offers adjustable resistance levels, facilitating personalized rehabilitation progress tracking. 3D printing is used for plastic components and silicone molds, enhancing affordability and customization. Experimental tests demonstrate GripDome’s ability to provide consistent and reliable measurements even under prolonged use. The pneumatic system allows dynamic adjustment of resistance levels, tailoring rehabilitation paths to individual needs. Additionally, a basic game-like exercise has been integrated to motivate users, making the rehabilitation process more engaging and enjoyable. The device shows promise for reliable quantitative grip strength assessment and at-home rehabilitation for stroke survivors.