Design and Implementation of an Instrumented Data Glove that measures Kinematics and Dynamics of Human Hand

Hand-worn devices for assessment and rehabilitation of motor function and their potential use in BCI protocols: a review

“…While these gloves are effective at monitoring hand function, they can be relatively expensive (USD 190 to 2,500 or more) compared to standard video monitoring systems, which may limit their use in at-home rehabilitation (Merians et al, 2009 ; Sivak et al, 2009 ; Golomb et al, 2010 ; Lee, 2014 ; Thielbar et al, 2014 ; Dimbwadyo-Terrer et al, 2016 ; Ranganathan, 2017 ; Jarque-Bou et al, 2020 ; Padilla-Magana et al, 2022 ). Besides commercial bend/flex sensing devices, there are custom devices that address limitations of commercial gloves (Gentner and Classen, 2009 ; Knutson et al, 2009 ; Wille et al, 2009 ; Oess et al, 2012 ; Jung et al, 2017 ; Fu et al, 2019 ; Huynh et al, 2019 ; Burns et al, 2021 ; Kim et al, 2022 ; Syeda et al, 2022 ). For example, Oess et al ( 2010 , 2012 ) developed the NeuroAssess Glove, which has four bend sensors (Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc., Draper, UT) to monitor the individual phalanges of the index finger and thumb.…”

“…The sensors were accurate to within 3 degrees (95% confidence interval) (Oess et al, 2010 ). Some groups are combining other sensors with bend/flex sensors (Wille et al, 2009 ; Burns et al, 2021 ). For example, Wille et al ( 2009 ) custom-designed gloves with bend sensors, accelerometers, and magnetometers placed on the forearm and individual fingers.…”

“…Another noteworthy sensor is the force sensor, which measures the cumulative normal force applied to its surface (Friedman et al, 2014 ; Signori et al, 2017 ; Wachter et al, 2018 ; Wolbrecht et al, 2018 ; Mawase et al, 2020 ; Burns et al, 2021 ; Patane et al, 2022 ; Urone et al, 2022 ). In the ergonomic device designed by Mawase et al ( 2020 ), isometric force sensors are placed on the fingertips including the thumb.…”

“…Despite these limitations, sensor gloves have great potential for monitoring or functional assessment (Oess et al, 2012 ; Cavallo et al, 2013 ; Bhagubai et al, 2021 ), Combining different types of sensors onto one glove would give a more detailed characterization of hand function. For example, in the Sensoriglove developed by Burns et al ( 2021 ), a flex sensor is attached to the dorsal surface and a force sensor to the tip of each finger. This device was deemed accurate for grasping control.…”

“…This device was deemed accurate for grasping control. A limitation is that the whole glove has to be replaced if any sensor is damaged during manufacture or degraded by exposure to excessive temperature, vibration, or voltage (Burns et al, 2021 ). Combinations of IMUs and kinematic sensors have been employed as well.…”