Functional task training device for hemiplegic hand

Abstract

The utility model discloses a functional task training device for a hemiplegic hand, which utilizes and strengthens the residual function of an affected hand, solves the problems of the conventional post-stroke power type hand function training device, and comprises a main body bracket, a first elastic piece, a connecting rod, a connecting belt, a finger plate and a second elastic piece, the main body bracket is provided with a palm part and a thumb part; the palm part is C-shaped, and two ends of the palm part form openings on palm sides; the first elastic pieces are arranged on the left side and the right side of the front portion of the body support respectively and comprise first connecting parts, first connecting rods, first torsional spring rings, second connecting rods, second torsional spring rings, third connecting rods, third torsional spring rings and second connecting parts which are sequentially connected. The first connecting parts are fixed on left and right sides of the main body bracket; the two ends of the connecting rod are fixed to the second torsional spring rings of the two first elastic pieces respectively. The connecting belt is wound on the two third connecting rods; the two ends of the finger plate are fixed to the two second connecting parts correspondingly. Two ends of the second elastic member are respectively connected to two sides of the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of rehabilitation assistive device technology, and specifically refers to a functional task training device for hemiplegic hand. Background Technology

[0002] Following a stroke or other brain injury, the brain exhibits neuroplasticity, meaning it possesses the ability to repair itself. However, this neuroplasticity and repair process are highly dependent on functional task training, which has proven to be the most effective form of rehabilitation. As stroke patients enter the late spastic phase, basic motor functions in the proximal upper limbs, such as shoulder and elbow movement, gradually recover. However, due to persistently increased muscle tone and the dominance of the upper limb flexors, the thumb often remains flexed and adducted, while the other four fingers are in a grasping position, preventing the fingers from freely opening and making functional task training difficult. Currently, assistive devices that help straighten or provide power to the bent fingers to enable patients to participate in functional task training have proven to be the most effective method.

[0003] In the current technological field, assistive training devices for hemiplegic patients' hands fall into two main categories: electronic devices and mechanical devices. Electronic devices include electric air pump-assisted finger active and passive rehabilitation training devices, while mechanical devices include finger extension dynamic orthoses, such as the "spider hand frame" and the "dynamic finger extension orthose." They assist patients by applying external force to perform active or passive grasping and releasing movements, thereby enabling them to grasp and move objects. However, electronic air pump-assisted hand function training devices are limited to performing passive finger flexion and extension movements. The parameters such as force, amplitude, and rhythm are preset, and patients do not need to actively participate. Therefore, they cannot effectively train conscious control, muscle strength, grasping, and movement. As for existing mechanical finger extension dynamic orthoses, they have also revealed functional deficiencies in practical applications. Although they have a good effect on the extension of the metacarpophalangeal joints, they are difficult to solve the problems of excessive flexion and adduction of the thumb and flexion of the interphalangeal joints caused by increased muscle tone. Patients cannot achieve the ideal functional training effect when using them. In addition, some orthoses are large, complicated to wear, and difficult to adjust elasticity, resulting in low patient acceptance.

[0004] In related existing technologies, such as the "Multifunctional Dynamic Hand Orthosis" disclosed in patent CN212015880U, the glove has joint fixation buckles installed at the finger joints, and 1-5 elastic supports are movably installed on the surface of the glove, with the elastic supports connected to the joint fixation buckles. However, patients in the spastic phase of stroke have their four fingers in a grasping state and cannot open them freely, making it difficult to use the orthosis of the aforementioned patent for treatment. The reason is:

[0005] (1) The gloves require the entire palm to be inserted, and the four fingers other than the thumb need to be inserted into the finger sleeves of the gloves, which is difficult to achieve;

[0006] (2) The patent has set an elastic support for each finger. The total elastic force of the four fingers is large, making it difficult to train the four fingers at the same time. In addition, the elastic support protrudes from the surface of the glove in a large size, making it inconvenient to use. Utility Model Content

[0007] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a functional task trainer for hemiplegic hand, which not only utilizes and strengthens the residual function of the affected hand, but also cleverly solves the problems of inaccurate thumb alignment, incomplete palm opening, and insufficient finger extension that exist in other similar functional orthotics. It enables patients with hemiplegic hand to grasp, align, and release their fingers during functional task training. It also has the advantages of small size, light weight, simple materials, convenient wearing, strong patient initiative, and high acceptance.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the solution of this utility model is:

[0009] A functional task training device for hemiplegic hand includes a main frame, a first elastic element, a connecting rod, a connecting strap, a finger plate, and a second elastic element. The main frame has a palm portion for wrapping the thenar and hypothenar eminences of the hand, and a thumb portion integrally connected to the palm portion for wrapping the thumb on the back side. The palm portion is C-shaped, with an opening between its two ends. The first elastic element is a multi-segment torsion spring structure, with one on each side of the palm portion, and includes a first connecting part, a first connecting rod, a first torsion spring coil, a second connecting rod, a second torsion spring coil, a third connecting rod, a third torsion spring coil, and a second connecting part connected in sequence. The first connecting part is fixed. The first, second, and third torsion spring coils are fixed on the left and right sides of the palm. During training, they provide resistance to finger flexion and assist in finger extension. The two ends of the connecting rod are respectively fixed to the second torsion spring coils of the two first elastic elements, used to support the base of the patient's four fingers on the palm side to assist in straightening the metacarpophalangeal joints. The connecting strap is wrapped around the third connecting rod of the two first elastic elements to press the back of the four fingers. The two ends of the finger plate are respectively fixed to the second connecting parts of the two first elastic elements to support the ends of the patient's four fingers. The two ends of the second elastic element are respectively connected to both sides of the opening of the main support.

[0010] The main support, connecting rod, and finger plate are all made of thermoplastic material.

[0011] Preferably, the thermoplastic material is one of low-temperature thermoplastic sheet, polycaprolactone-based material, modified polyurethane composite material, polyethylene, and polypropylene-based material.

[0012] The hemiplegic hand functional task trainer also includes a thumb strap, one end of which is connected to the back of the thumb, and the other end of which wraps around the thumb and is then connected to the back of the thumb.

[0013] Preferably, the end of the thumb strap is detachably connected to the thumb via a Velcro hook and a textured surface.

[0014] The hemiplegic hand functional task trainer also includes a pressure-reducing pad disposed on the inner wall of the thumb.

[0015] The finger plate has its ends flush with the nail roots of the second to fifth fingers of the human hand.

[0016] The first connecting part is fixed to the main body bracket by means of screws and nuts; the screws protrude from the inner wall of the main body bracket, pass through the first connecting part, and are then threadedly connected to the nuts.

[0017] Preferably, the second elastic element is a rubber band, one end of which is fixed to the thenar eminence of the palm of the main support, and the other end is fitted onto a nut on the hypothenar eminence of the palm of the main support.

[0018] The finger plate is coated with anti-slip rubber.

[0019] After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0020] In use, the patient's palm is inserted into the main support, with the back of the palm and the thenar and hypothenar eminences covered by the palm. The thumb is fixed in an opposing position on the thumb support, and the four fingers (excluding the thumb) pass between the connecting rod and the connecting strap, with the fingertips resting on the finger plate. Functional task training can then begin. The structure is simple and easy to wear. Relying on the elastic force provided by the first and second elastic elements, the patient can train the four fingers to straighten and bend simultaneously, cooperating with the thumb fixed in the opposing position to complete the grasping and moving actions of the affected hand. This invention not only utilizes and enhances the residual function of the affected hand, but also cleverly solves the problems of inaccurate thumb alignment and insufficient palm opening found in other similar functional orthotics. It enables patients with hemiplegic hands to grasp, align, and release effectively during functional task training. Furthermore, it has the advantages of small size, light weight, simple materials, easy wear, strong patient initiative, and high acceptance. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the present utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first elastic element structure in a specific embodiment of the present utility model.

[0023] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0024] 1-Main body support; 11-Palm; 12-Thumb; 13-Opening; 2-First elastic element; 21-First connecting part; 22-First connecting rod; 23-First torsion spring ring; 24-Second connecting rod; 25-Second torsion spring ring; 26-Third connecting rod; 27-Third torsion spring ring; 28-Second connecting part; 3-Connecting rod; 4-Connecting strap; 5-Finger plate; 6-Second elastic element; 7-Thumb strap; 8-Pressure-reducing pad; 9-Screw; 10-Nut. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To further explain the technical solution of this utility model, the following detailed description is provided through specific embodiments.

[0026] refer to Figure 1-2 As shown, this utility model discloses a functional task trainer for hemiplegic hand, including a main support 1, a first elastic element 2, a connecting rod 3, a connecting strap 4, a finger plate 5, and a second elastic element 6.

[0027] The main support 1 is provided with a palm part 11 for wrapping the thenar eminence of the hand, and a thumb part 12 integrally connected to the palm part 11 for wrapping the thumb on the back side; the palm part 11 is C-shaped, and an opening 13 is formed between its two ends;

[0028] The first elastic element 2 is a multi-segment torsion spring structure, with one on each of the left and right sides of the palm portion 11. It includes a first connecting part 21, a first connecting rod 22, a first torsion spring coil 23, a second connecting rod 24, a second torsion spring coil 25, a third connecting rod 26, a third torsion spring coil 27, and a second connecting part 28 connected in sequence. The first connecting part 21 is fixed at the midpoint of the vertical surface on the left and right sides of the palm portion 11. The first torsion spring coil 23, the second torsion spring coil 25, and the third torsion spring coil 27 all provide resistance for finger bending and power to assist finger extension during training.

[0029] The two ends of the connecting rod 3 are respectively fixed to the second torsion spring coils 25 of the two first elastic elements 2, which are used to support the base of the patient's four fingers on the palm side to assist in the straightening of the metacarpophalangeal joints;

[0030] The connecting strap 4 is wrapped around the third connecting rod 26 of the two first elastic members 2 to press the back of the four fingers;

[0031] The two ends of the finger plate 5 are respectively fixed to the second connecting parts 28 of the two first elastic members 2, which are used to support the ends of the patient's four fingers;

[0032] The two ends of the second elastic element 6 are respectively connected to the two sides of the opening 13 of the main body support 1.

[0033] With the above-described design, when using this invention, the patient's palm is inserted into the main support 1, with the back of the palm and the thenar and hypothenar eminences covered by the palm part 11. The thumb is fixed in an opposing position on the thumb part 12, and the four fingers other than the thumb pass between the connecting rod 3 and the connecting strap 4, with the fingertips attached to the finger plate 5. Functional task training can then begin. The structure is simple and easy to wear. Relying on the elasticity provided by the first elastic element 2 and the second elastic element 6, the patient can train the four fingers to straighten and bend simultaneously, and with the thumb fixed in the opposing position, complete the grasping and moving actions of the affected hand. It is especially suitable for patients with finger flexor muscle strength (MMT muscle strength assessment) of grade 2 or above and muscle tone (modified Ashworth assessment) of grade 3 or below after stroke. This invention not only utilizes and enhances the residual function of the affected hand, but also cleverly solves the problems of inaccurate thumb alignment and insufficient palm opening that exist in other similar functional orthotics. It enables patients with hemiplegic hands to grasp, align, and release their hands during functional task training. It also has the advantages of small size, light weight, simple materials, convenient wearing, strong patient initiative, and high acceptance.

[0034] The following shows a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned functional task trainer for hemiplegic hand.

[0035] The main support 1, connecting rod 3 and finger plate 5 mentioned above are all made of thermoplastic material, which allows these parts to be shaped to match the patient's palm during manufacturing, and to fit the surface of the patient's palm more closely to achieve support.

[0036] Furthermore, the aforementioned thermoplastic materials include low-temperature thermoplastic sheets, as well as polycaprolactone (PCL)-based materials, modified polyurethane composites, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)-based materials, etc. Among them, low-temperature thermoplastic sheets are a novel medical material made from a specially synthesized high-molecular-weight polyester through a series of physical and chemical processes, used for the fabrication of orthopedic external fixation devices (braces). Due to its outstanding properties such as non-absorption of radiation, excellent shaping effect after softening by heating, and unique shape memory function (allowing for reheating and reshaping when the shaping is unsatisfactory), as well as its simple operation and convenient fixation, it is the most ideal medical material.

[0037] This utility model also includes a thumb strap 7, one end of which is connected to the back of the thumb portion 12, and the other end of which wraps around the thumb portion 12 and is then connected to the back of the thumb portion 12. In this embodiment, the end of the thumb strap 7 is detachably connected to the thumb portion 12 by a Velcro hook and a textured surface, which facilitates adjustment of the tightness and position of the thumb strap 7.

[0038] This utility model also includes a pressure-reducing pad 8 disposed on the inner wall of the thumb portion 12.

[0039] The distal ends of the aforementioned finger plates 5 are flush with the nail roots of the second to fifth fingers of the human hand.

[0040] The first connecting part 21 is fixed to the main body bracket 1 by means of screw 9 and nut 10; screw 9 protrudes from the inner wall of the main body bracket 1, passes through the first connecting part 21, and is then threadedly connected to nut 10.

[0041] Furthermore, the second elastic element 6 is a rubber band. One end of the rubber band is fixed to the thenar eminence of the palm 11 of the main support, and the other end is fitted onto the nut 10 on the hypothenar eminence of the palm 11 of the main support, so as to provide resistance and restoring force when the patient spreads his thumb.

[0042] The aforementioned connecting strap 4 can be made of elastic material or a strip of Velcro, so as to allow for wearing of the brace and to facilitate adjustment of position and tightness.

[0043] The aforementioned finger plate 5 is coated with anti-slip adhesive.

[0044] Furthermore, this utility model also discloses a method for manufacturing the aforementioned functional task training device for hemiplegic hand. Firstly, when manufacturing the functional task training device for hemiplegic hand, suitable patients need to be selected through assessment. Generally, the assessment criteria are as follows:

[0045] ① The patient has an active grasping instinct;

[0046] ②The affected hand can make grasping movements, or the closing function of the affected hand has been restored, and it can grasp objects;

[0047] ③ The affected hand's grip strength can resist spring resistance: flexor muscle strength (MMT muscle strength assessment) grade 2 or above;

[0048] ④ Limited opening of the affected hand: Due to increased muscle tone, the affected hand cannot be opened freely after clenching, and the muscle tone (modified Ashworth scale) is grade 3 or below; or there is no increase in muscle tone, but there is loss of extensor muscle strength.

[0049] Once the patient is selected, the training device is made according to the following steps:

[0050] Step 1. Draw the outline of the affected hand and accurately mark the palmar wrist crease, palmar crease, palmar finger crease, interphalangeal crease, and nail root position on the drawing as the specification reference standard for the main support 1 and the first elastic element 2.

[0051] Step 2. Manufacture the main support frame 1

[0052] According to the outline drawing in step 1, cut a 2.4mm low-temperature thermoplastic plate of the appropriate size. Using the low-temperature thermoplastic plate manufacturing technology, mold a C-shaped ring on the affected hand to form the palm 11. At the same time, mold the thumb 12 integrally on the back of the thumb. When molding, ensure that the web of the hand is open appropriately and that the fixed thumb pad can pinch with the pads of the extended and flexed 2nd and 3rd fingers. The outer sides of the palm 11 and the thumb 12 are connected by the second elastic element 6. Specifically, the two ends of the C-shaped ring are connected by a rubber band. One end of the rubber band is fixed and the other end is hooked to the opposite end, so that the two ends of the C-shaped ring hook onto the thenar and hypothenar eminences of the palm, ensuring that the thumb is in the opposite palm position, has a certain degree of mobility, and is easy to wear.

[0053] Step 3. Wind the first elastic element 2

[0054] Based on the strength and tension of the flexor muscles, select a steel wire of appropriate diameter, commonly 1mm thick 316 stainless steel wire (corrosion resistant). According to the palmar and finger crease positions marked on the drawing, wind two first elastic elements 2. The elasticity of the first elastic element 2 can be individually adjusted by the thickness of the steel wire, the diameter of the spring ring, the number of turns, the angle of elevation, etc.

[0055] Step 4. Fabricate the secondary support.

[0056] Step 4-1. Cut strips of low-temperature thermoplastic board, soften them and roll them into rods. Trim the rods to the width of the palm, pass them through the second torsion springs 25 of the two first elastic elements 2 and fix them respectively to make connecting rod 3. Connecting rod 3 is located at the transverse crease at the base of the finger on the palm side. Its function is to connect and stabilize the spring support and assist in the extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint.

[0057] Step 4-2. Draw a diagram according to the markings of the transverse creases between the distal phalanges of the 2nd to 5th fingers, and cut out arc-shaped (or wedge-shaped) low-temperature thermoplastic finger half-finger plates. The plate strips are wider on the index finger side and narrower on the little finger side. After the plate strips are softened, they are fixed in a groove shape to the second connecting part 28 of the two first elastic elements 2 using the adhesive properties of the plate itself. The finger half-finger plates are located on the proximal half of the finger pads of the four fingers and span the interphalangeal joints of each finger. Their function is to connect the spring support, correct the flexion of the interphalangeal joints of the distal phalanges, and assist in the extension of the fingers. The purpose of exposing the fingertip ends is to make the grasping input more tactile.

[0058] Step 4-3. Cut a 1.0cm wide piece of self-adhesive Velcro, fold it back and stick it at the interphalangeal joint near the back of the finger, connect the two first elastic parts 2 and tie them to both sides of the four fingers. The sub-support assembly is complete. The function of the connecting strap 4 is to correct the flexion of the interphalangeal joint when the fingers are spread. The purpose of using self-adhesive Velcro as the connecting strap 4 is to make the support easier to wear.

[0059] Step 5. Trainer Assembly

[0060] Referring to the position of the palmar transverse crease, drill holes at the midpoint of the vertical surface on both sides of the main support 1, and then fix the first connecting part 21 of the two first elastic elements 2 of the auxiliary support to the main support 1 with screws. Adjust the lifting angle of the first elastic element 2. At this point, the entire hemiplegic hand functional task trainer is completed.

[0061] When using the device, the assembled trainer is worn on the patient's affected hand. The position of the C-ring is adjusted and a rubber band is attached. The thumb is then secured to the back limiting plate with Velcro. Next, using the position of the main support 1 as a reference, the size of the first elastic element 2 is finely adjusted to make the entire support fit the hand better. Afterward, the patient is asked to perform grasping movements, and the closure and opening of the fingers, the correction effect of the interphalangeal joints, the accuracy of thumb-finger alignment, and the presence of local compression are observed to ensure safe use.

[0062] Based on the trial fitting, any problems with the stent can be further adjusted. Then, apply anti-slip glue to the finger plate 5 and screws of the sub-stent. After the anti-slip glue dries, deliver the trainer to the patient and provide wearing and training instructions.

[0063] Compared to factory manufacturing, this allows doctors in hospitals to directly customize the device based on the patient's condition. This not only ensures comfort but also creates a training device that best suits the patient's disease progression, thus promoting recovery.

[0064] The hemiplegic hand functional task trainer can be dynamically or statically connected to a wrist orthosis, transforming into a wrist, hand, and finger orthosis, suitable for patients with limited wrist dorsiflexion due to spasticity. Furthermore, with evaluation and modification, this trainer can also be extended to patients with limited finger extension function but normal finger flexion due to traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or nerve and tendon lesions.

[0065] The above embodiments and figures are not intended to limit the product form and style of this utility model. Any appropriate changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art should be considered as not departing from the patent scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A functional task training device for hemiplegic hand, characterized in that: It includes a main support frame, a first elastic element, a connecting rod, a connecting belt, a finger plate, and a second elastic element; The main support is provided with a palm part for wrapping the thenar eminence of the hand, and a thumb part integrally connected to the palm part for wrapping the thumb on the back side; the palm part is C-shaped, with an opening between its two ends; The first elastic element is a multi-segment torsion spring structure, with one on each of the left and right sides of the palm. It includes a first connecting part, a first connecting rod, a first torsion spring coil, a second connecting rod, a second torsion spring coil, a third connecting rod, a third torsion spring coil, and a second connecting part connected in sequence. The first connecting part is fixed to the left and right sides of the palm. The first torsion spring coil, the second torsion spring coil, and the third torsion spring coil all provide resistance to finger bending and power to assist finger extension during training. The two ends of the connecting rod are respectively fixed to the second torsion spring coils of the two first elastic elements, which are used to support the base of the patient's four fingers on the palm side to assist in the straightening of the metacarpophalangeal joints; The connecting strip is wrapped around the third link of the two first elastic members to press the back of the four fingers; The two ends of the finger plate are respectively fixed to the second connecting parts of the two first elastic elements to support the ends of the patient's four fingers; The two ends of the second elastic element are respectively connected to the two sides of the opening of the main body bracket.

2. The functional task training device for hemiplegic hand as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The main support, connecting rod, and finger plate are all made of thermoplastic material.

3. The functional task training device for hemiplegic hand as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The thermoplastic material is one of the following: low-temperature thermoplastic sheet, polycaprolactone-based material, modified polyurethane composite material, polyethylene, and polypropylene-based material.

4. The functional task training device for hemiplegic hand as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a thumb strap, one end of which is connected to the back of the thumb, and the other end of which wraps around the thumb and is then connected to the back of the thumb.

5. The functional task training device for hemiplegic hand as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The end of the thumb strap is detachably connected to the thumb via a Velcro hook and a textured surface.

6. The functional task trainer for hemiplegic hand as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a pressure-reducing pad disposed on the inner wall of the thumb portion.

7. The functional task training device for hemiplegic hand as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The distal end of the finger plate is flush with the nail root of the second to fifth fingers of the human hand.

8. The functional task training device for hemiplegic hand as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting part is fixed to the main body bracket by means of screws and nuts; the screws protrude from the inner wall of the main body bracket, pass through the first connecting part, and are then threadedly connected to the nuts.

9. The functional task training device for hemiplegic hand as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The second elastic element is a rubber band, one end of which is fixed to the thenar eminence of the palm of the main support, and the other end is fitted onto a nut on the hypothenar eminence of the palm of the main support.

10. The hemiplegic hand functional task trainer as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The finger plate is coated with a non-slip glue.

Images