Wearable vibrotactile stimulation for upper extremity rehabilitation in chronic stroke: clinical feasibility trial using the VTS Glove

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Caitlyn E Seim, Stanford University; Steven Wolf, Emory University; Thad E Starner, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-01-23
• Publisher: BMC
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © The Author(s) 2021
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12984-021-00813-7
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 14
• End Page: 14
• Grant/Funding Information: This research was supported, in part, by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship program, a grant from the Georgia Tech Graphics, Visualization, and Usability (GVU) consortium, and a Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship.
• Keywords: Vibrotactile; Engineering; Stroke; Upper extremity; Neurosciences & Neurology; Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Neurosciences; Science & Technology; Stimulation; Rehabilitation; Engineering, Biomedical; Spasticity
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Rehabilitation and Therapy; Engineering, Mechanical; Computer Science

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the feasibility and potential impacts on hand function using a wearable stimulation device (the VTS Glove) which provides mechanical, vibratory input to the affected limb of chronic stroke survivors. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, controlled feasibility study including sixteen chronic stroke survivors (mean age: 54; 1-13 years post-stroke) with diminished movement and tactile perception in their affected hand. Participants were given a wearable device to take home and asked to wear it for three hours daily over eight weeks. The device intervention was either (1) the VTS Glove, which provided vibrotactile stimulation to the hand, or (2) an identical glove with vibration disabled. Participants were randomly assigned to each condition. Hand and arm function were measured weekly at home and in local physical therapy clinics. Results: Participants using the VTS Glove showed significantly improved Semmes-Weinstein monofilament exam results, reduction in Modified Ashworth measures in the fingers, and some increased voluntary finger flexion, elbow and shoulder range of motion. Conclusions: Vibrotactile stimulation applied to the disabled limb may impact tactile perception, tone and spasticity, and voluntary range of motion. Wearable devices allow extended application and study of stimulation methods outside of a clinical setting.