A Finger Rehabilitation Unit for Therapeutic Finger Exercises

Abstract

The invention relates to a finger rehabilitation unit one for providing hand (E) rehabilitation. Accordingly, its novelty is that it includes at least one flexible body (2) which expands by the transmission of at least one fluid into it and contracts by the discharge of the fluid from it, in order to enable the abduction, adduction and opposition movements of the fingers by connecting with at least one finger. Figure 1

Description

1 TARIFF FINGER REHABILITATION FOR THERAPEUTIC FINGER EXERCISES UNIT TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a finger rehabilitation unit for providing hand rehabilitation. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE 10 Muscle and nerve diseases (Neuromuscular Diseases, NMDs) affect the movement and sensory systems. Neuromuscular diseases are known as diseases that affect the muscle-nerve relationship. It has a direct impact. Neuromuscular diseases can be congenital or acquired. This is occurring. Progressive muscle weakness, present in most of these diseases, affects 15 people. It directly affects the functions of the upper extremities in the body, the human hand and wrist. It interferes with daily life activities. During the course of the disease, the hand and wrist... their functions are permanently lost. As people lose hand and wrist function... They become unable to perform their daily activities. This situation is irreparable for human life. It's a difficult situation. 20 Hand and wrist movements are controlled by motor neurons from the central nervous system, which transmit signals to bones and muscles. This is achieved through synchronized movement of the fingers and wrist. Upward movements are extension, closing of the fingers and downward movement of the wrist. The movements are flexion, horizontal opening of the fingers, abduction, and 25-degree angles of the fingers. The horizontal approach of the wrist to another wrist is called adduction. Outward elongation in the plane is called ulnar deviation, and inward elongation is called radial deviation. This is called deviation. It is caused by injuries to the vertebrae, or in other words... Neuromuscular diseases can impair the natural functions of the hands and wrists, and these Performing daily living activities is a serious problem for people with these illnesses. 30 It becomes a consequence of the loss of movement function in the hands and wrists, significantly affecting human life. It significantly affects the hand and wrist movements of individuals with a neuromuscular disease. A patient needs to see a physiotherapist for treatment, and physiotherapy is necessary for healthy hand and wrist movement. He needs treatment. The more frequently and repeatedly hand and wrist treatment is performed, the better the patient will be. He is recovering quickly. 35 2 Patients who have partially or completely lost the function of hand and wrist movement. During the treatment process, the patient receives rehabilitation support. This is done under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In rehabilitation therapy, patients are given flexion / extension (FE), Abduction / adduction (AA); for the wrists, FE, ulnar / radial (UR) deviation. exercises are performed so that the hand / wrist can regain its former functions. 5 This is the goal. Physiotherapists most frequently target patients in this disease group. Among the things they prioritize are the repetition of AA movements for the thumb and the other four. The continuity of physical activity (FE) movements for the finger is ensured by physiotherapists. The more regularly the rehabilitation treatment is applied, the more the patients' progress will be The recovery time of their functions is also shortening. However, the current 10 Given the number of patients with neuromuscular diseases, the number of physiotherapists is insufficient. Also, the therapies administered to patients involve numerous and similar repetitions. It is challenging and tiring for physiotherapists, but the benefits of exercise in the later stages It reduces its effect. During the exercise process, the patient's condition is monitored by physiotherapists. The assessment varies from person to person. 15 Loss of abduction ability results in insufficient finger opening and a wide grip. This prevents the movement of objects. This is especially true for large or wide objects. This creates difficulty in holding the object. For example, not being able to fully grasp an object or The inability to open the fingers as far as needed restricts the patient's daily life activities. 20 Adduction loss means the fingers cannot come together, resulting in a fine grip. This means that their movements are disrupted. In this case, small or thin objects It becomes difficult to hold and manipulate. Weakness in adduction function, 25 This is the reason. Impairment of these movements, especially when typing, buttoning, or It creates significant difficulties in everyday skills such as grasping small objects. Today, robot-assisted rehabilitation systems are used in hand rehabilitation. However, these systems, especially when considering hand rehabilitation, cover the entire 30 of the hand. They are unable to perform their functions properly. They need hand rehabilitation. Considering the needs of individuals, physiotherapists provide FE for all fingers. They stated that in addition to the exercise, AA exercise is also important. Abduction, Failure to perform adduction and thumb opposition exercises results in finger deformities. Inability to achieve full range of motion, decreased gripping and holding skills, muscle weakness. negative consequences such as weakness, development of spasticity, and a prolonged rehabilitation process is occurring. 3 In conclusion, all the problems mentioned above necessitate an innovation in the relevant technical field. It has made it mandatory. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages and contribute to the relevant technical field. It is related to a finger rehabilitation unit, aiming to bring new advantages. One purpose of the invention is a finger rehabilitation unit that provides finger rehabilitation. to reveal. 10 Another aim of the invention is to enable the patient to perform AA (abduction-adduction) exercises. The goal is to create a finger rehabilitation unit that provides this service. Another aim of the invention is to perform thumb opposition, extension and flexion exercises. The goal is to create a finger rehabilitation unit that enables this. Another aim of the invention is a finger that can be integrated into a rehabilitation unit. The goal is to establish a rehabilitation unit. All the purposes mentioned above and those that will emerge from the detailed explanation below. The present invention aims to achieve finger rehabilitation by enabling hand rehabilitation. The rehabilitation unit is related to one. Accordingly, its innovation is connected with at least one finger. performing abduction, adduction, and opposition movements of the thumb to provide, it expands by passing at least one fluid through it and 25 It contains at least one flexible body that shrinks upon the discharge of the fluid. Thus, both Abduction and adduction movements of the fingers, as well as the opposition movement of the thumb. By making it possible, effective exercise opportunities are offered during the rehabilitation process. The feature of a possible configuration of the invention is that the flexible body allows for fluid transmission and 30 It must contain at least one channel that allows for its evacuation and be connected to the said channel. It must contain at least one tube. This allows the flexible body to expand in a controlled manner. Exercises are made easier by ensuring muscle contraction. The feature of a possible configuration of the invention is that the fluid is flexible at the desired pressure value. at least one fluid that enables the fluid to be delivered to the shell and the delivered fluid to be vacuumed 4 It is important that they are in contact with a management team. This allows for a flexible body during exercise. Inflation and vacuuming can be done in a controlled manner using pressure. A characteristic feature of a possible design of the invention is that it has at least one component that allows it to be connected to the finger. It includes a holder. Thus, the flexible body is securely connected to the fingers. 5 This ensures that the exercises can be performed effectively. A key feature of a possible configuration of the invention is that the fluid in question is air. Thus, the system operates in a simple and efficient manner, allowing the flexible body to be moved. is provided. 10 A characteristic feature of a possible design of the invention is that the flexible body is in the form of bellows. Thus, the flexible body expands and contracts more effectively, between the fingers. It facilitates movement. A feature of the possible construction of the invention is that the flexible body is made of silicone rubber compound. It is manufactured in a way that allows for rehabilitation by achieving a lightweight and cost-effective structure. The device is being made economical and portable. A feature of a possible configuration of the invention is that 20 are integrated into the rehabilitation unit. It is the fact that. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 shows the finger rehabilitation unit, the subject of the invention, connected to the hand and consisting of 25 A representative top-down view of the spread-apart fingers is provided. Figure 2 shows the finger rehabilitation unit, which is the subject of the invention, together with the rehabilitation unit. The structure, which allows for flexion / extension exercises by being linked from above. The appearance is given. 30 Figure 3 shows the rehabilitation center into which the finger rehabilitation unit, the subject of the invention, can be integrated. A representative isometric view of the unit is given. Figure 4 shows the rehabilitation unit 35 into which the finger rehabilitation unit, the subject of the invention, is integrated. A representative isometric view of the patient's arm in its positioned state in the unit. It has been given. Figure 5 shows the rehabilitation unit into which the finger rehabilitation unit, the subject of the invention, is integrated. The side view of the flexion exercise position in the unit is given. Figure 6 shows the rehabilitation unit into which the finger rehabilitation unit, the subject of the invention, is integrated. The side view of the extension exercise position in unit 5 is given. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is the finger rehabilitation unit (1) only of the subject. with examples that will not create any limiting effect on better understanding. It is explained. Finger rehabilitation unit (1) is for the patient after permanent loss of hand function. The rehabilitation process enables the fingers to regain their function. rehabilitation unit (1), abduction of fingers, adduction and thumb 15 performing opposition (see English thumb opposition), flexion and extension movements. It provides. Thumb opposition movement, on the other hand, is the movement of the thumb towards the other fingers. It is defined as its ability to move and resist them. Another definition is: Bringing the palmar surface of the thumb together with the palmar surfaces of the other fingers This is possible. This movement involves the tip of the thumb touching the tips of the other fingers. 20 It enables and is quite important for the hand to perform many functions. In the preferred configuration of the invention, it is used in the hand rehabilitation unit (10). This allows for abduction exercises in addition to flexion and extension exercises. (external opening) and adduction (internal closing) and thumb opposition (resistance) 25 Exercises can also be performed. However, finger rehabilitation unit (1) only performing abduction, adduction and opposition exercises, independent of flexion and extension exercises and hand rehabilitation unit (10) It is also clear that it can be used as such. The finger rehabilitation unit (1) includes at least one flexible body (2). The flexible body (2) has a hollow structure and can expand and contract thanks to its flexible nature. The flexible body (2) allows the fingers to move apart and closer together, enabling abduction, It allows for the performance of adduction and thumb opposition exercises. To accomplish this, the flexible body (2) is held at least at one end with a finger 35 It is connected at one end to another finger, palm, or hand. It can be attached to a point or fixed to any place other than the hand, thus fulfilling its function. 6 It is able to do so. In the preferred configuration of the invention, a holder is attached to at least one end. (15) with one finger and another finger with another gripper (15) at the other end It is connected. The flexible body (2) is in the form of a bellows. Made of silicone rubber compound. It can be manufactured from alternative materials such as paper, elastomer, neoprene, polyurethane, or They may also be manufactured from materials covered with nylon fabric. 5 Flexible casing (2) allows at least one fluid to be conveyed and discharged into it. It contains at least one channel (21) that allows it to expand and contract. The fluid is air. However, in alternative configurations, it can be a different gas or water. Liquids can also be used. Therefore, air can pass through the flexible body (2) via the channel (21). It is transmitted inside and expands as air fills the flexible body (2). Therefore, as the flexible body (2) located between two fingers expands, the two fingers This allows the distance between them to increase. Similarly, air from the channel (21) With its discharge, the flexible body (2) shrinks, that is, its volume decreases, and this results in two It allows the fingers to come closer together. The canal (21) is essentially in the form of a hole 15 The flexible body (2) is positioned between two fingers in the preferred configuration. also, the thumb connects to the finger at one end and to the palm at the other. It also makes it possible to perform opposition, extension, and flexion movements. To enable this movement of the fluid, the flexible body (2) must be inflated to the desired amount and 20 with at least one fluid management element (20) that enables vacuuming It can be connected. The mentioned fluid management element (20) is essentially an air It consists of a pump and a vacuum device. The fluid management element (20) works bi-directionally. It can both inject fluid (air in the preferred configuration) into the flexible body (2) and It can draw air out by creating a vacuum. This element is in the form of a pneumatic pump. It is also possible. Therefore, air can be supplied to the flexible body (2) according to the desired pressure amount. It can be sent. In this way, the flexible body (2) can expand and contract, abduction and It enables the performance of adduction (AA) and opposition exercises. Fluid management staff (20), finger rehabilitation unit (1) and at least one tube (30) They can be linked. 30 The flexible body (2) can be associated with at least one valve. Through the aforementioned valves, The inflation and vacuuming of the flexible body (2) can be controlled. At least one 35 to monitor, manage and direct the fluid management element (20). A controller can be found. This controller is software integrated into the microprocessor circuit. by means of inflating or vacuuming the flexible body (2) to the desired amounts 7 It provides this by controlling the air pump and vacuum, achieving specific pressure levels. It regulates air intake and exhaust processes in order to achieve this. The controller monitors the defined target pressures and pumps or activates the system as needed. It starts or stops the vacuuming process. In this way, rehabilitation 5 During the process, it ensures the precise and controlled movements of the flexible body (2). In the preferred configuration of the invention, the finger rehabilitation unit (1) two fingers as it can be located between, a single finger rehabilitation unit (1) more than two The opening and closing of the distance between the fingers as a result of their connection is 10 It is possible. Finger rehabilitation unit (1) can be integrated into rehabilitation unit (10). The aforementioned connection is possible via at least one holder (15). holder (15), with the glove (G) worn by the patient and finger rehabilitation unit (1) 15 It enables the connection. Therefore, the flexible body (2) via the holder (15). between the fingers or between a finger and any fixed point (palm, etc.) It can be positioned. Rehabilitation unit (10), hand (E) and wrist exercises to be performed on a single device 20 It includes at least one main unit (11) to provide rehabilitation. The main unit (11) essentially includes rehabilitation. for which the patient's arm is positioned and which includes (10) elements in the rehabilitation unit and for the treatment to be carried out correctly, the aforementioned elements must be in the correct position. It is the structure that provides. Main unit (11), at least one positioning zone where the patient can place his arm (12) It includes. The mentioned positioning area (12) is located on its upper surface (111). Positioning area (12) was essentially created on the aforementioned upper surface (111), of the arm It is a channel that conforms to its form. In the preferred configuration, the main unit (11) is connected from the side. It appears curved when viewed. 30 Finger rehabilitation unit (1) is the best way to transfer movement (apply force) to the fingers. It includes a small motion transmission element (17). The finger rehabilitation unit (1) is located on the outside of the hand. It is located on the part opposite the palm of the hand. The aforementioned movement transmission element (17), with the movement it receives from at least one drive element (19), the fingers 35 It enables flexion and extension movements. (Motion transmission element) (17) is essentially a tendon. This is a metal wire. The mentioned force is applied to the hand. 8 To enable the transfer of motion, the motion transmission element (17) is attached to the patient's gripper (15) It is associated with the glove (G) that he is wearing. The said glove (G) is of a different size. It can adapt to the hands. The glove (G) has at least one elastic band at the joints. It includes and can therefore be adjusted according to size. The preferred aspect of the invention is... In its structure, there are holders (15) for each finger. Again, there are 5 for each finger. Force is applied by means of the motion transmission element (17). The grippers (15) are located at the joints of each finger. That is, the thumb has two grippers (15), The other four fingers contain three grippers (15). The motion transmission element (17), Passing through the holes in the holders (15), the rotation of the points where the holders are located 10 It ensures that it is central. To make it even clearer, passing through the retainer (15) because force is applied to the tendon and the retainers (15) are also in the joints The fingers can be bent at the places where the grippers (15) are located. The motion transmission element (17) must have at least one 15 to enable it to apply the mentioned force. It is connected to the drive element (19) at its end. The transmission that provides the aforementioned connection It is a drive element (191). The drive element mentioned (19) is a DC motor. By making a rotational motion, rotating the mentioned transfer element (191) and wrapping around the transfer element (191) The motion transmission element (17) can also apply pulling force to the fingers. Therefore The fingers are capable of extension and flexion movements. 20 The finger rehabilitation unit (1) contains at least one multiplexer (16). The aforementioned multiplexer (16), motion transmission element (17) two motion transmission elements at one point on the hand (17) ensures that the transmitted force is removed and is uniform. Therefore The structure is designed to allow the retainer (15) to pass through both tendons. This is obvious. This ensures that the force is transmitted equally and evenly to both tendons. is provided. The multiplexer (16) is essentially a single end into which the motion transmission element (17) is inserted. It contains two holes, one end of which two motion transmission elements (17) emerge at the other end. In alternative configurations, the number of multiplexers (16) and motion transmission elements (17) is more than two. It can also be increased to the following extent: 30 In the preferred configuration of the invention, there is one actuator for the thumb and one for the other four fingers. There are (19) drive elements. The positions of the mentioned drive elements (19) determine the treatment. This is important for its correct application. Therefore, the actuator found for the thumb... element (19) is positioned along the axis where the thumb extends. That is, 35 motion transmission element (17), tendon, progressing along the axis of extension of the thumb It is connected along this line with the drive element (19). The said drive element 9 (19), in at least one first chamber (13) located on the main unit (11). It is located in a way that ensures a safe working environment. Again, the remaining four fingers (index, middle, ring and little finger) form a single motion transmission element (17) It is connected to another actuator (19) via the four fingers actuator. The actuator (19) is located partly midway between the directions of these fingers. The drive element (19) comes into position on the positioning zone (12) It will be difficult for the patient to place his arm in the positioning area (12). This is possible. In order to eliminate this, the aforementioned drive element (19) is installed in the main unit 10 in at least one second chamber (14) connected to (11) so that it can rotate. This is provided. That is, the second chamber (14) rotates around the axis to which the hand (E) extends. It can be brought to an upright position when not in use (see Figure 3), with the patient placing their arm. It closes and comes to a position parallel to the upper surface (111) (see Figure 4). The correct torque Because the position of the actuator (19) is important for transmitting to the fingers, In this way the drive element (19) can be positioned correctly. The drive elements (19), 15 the distance between the upper surface (111) and the first chamber (13) and the second chamber (14) It is capable of acting in a way that will change. A motion transmission connected to a drive element (19) that provides drive to four fingers. 20 elements (17) to ensure that the force is transmitted physiologically appropriately to each finger. There is at least one motion guide unit (18). That is, the torque is efficiently distributed to the fingers. It ensures that the motion is transmitted in this way. A motion transmission from the drive element (19) element (17) transmits four motions to four fingers with the aforementioned motion guiding unit (18). It is duplicated in such a way that the element is (17). This process ensures the physiological naturalness and freedom of movement of the fingers. For this, the motion guiding unit (18) must be provided on at least one housing (181) It contains a guide (182). The mentioned enclosure (181) is essentially a hollow rectangle. It is in the form of a guide (182) which is cylindrical in form extending in the direction of the fingers. It is a structure. The number of guides is five. The motion guiding unit (18), each 30 provided on the guide (182) and at least able to move back and forth on the guide. each contains a sliding element (183). The mentioned sliding elements (183) also move It is connected to the transmission element (17). Therefore, the motion is connected to the guiding unit (18). one incoming motion transmission element (17), four sliding elements for four fingers (183) Four motion guide units (18) are coming out of the unit. That is, one 35 The motion transmission element (17) enters the motion guiding unit (18) and four motion The transmission element (17) is removed. The motion guide unit (18) also has at least one connecting element (183) to the sliding element. It includes connectors (184). The mentioned connectors (184) are flexible in structure. In this way, the sliding elements (183) slide on the guide (182) at different distances It is possible. That is, the connecting element (184) and the sliding elements (183) are independent of each other. It allows movement while simultaneously restricting the amount of that movement. All these 5 The structure also allows for the simulation of the physiological movement of the fingers. In light of all that has been said, the invention works as follows: The flexible body (2) contains By means of transmitted air or an alternative fluid, it expands and contracts to two fingers. It allows the distance between them to be opened and closed. To perform this function, 10 The fluid management element (20) expands by pushing air into the flexible body (2), vacuuming By doing so, it also causes it to contract. In this way, the flexible body (2), abduction and performing adduction and opposition exercises in a precise and controlled manner. It allows inflation and vacuuming of the flexible body (2) via valves. The processes are being monitored. The controller controls the air intake and pressure according to the specified pressure levels. by regulating the exit of the flexible trunk (2) movement in the rehabilitation process He / She is in charge. Therefore, thanks to the finger rehabilitation unit (1), finger movements are controlled and By being guided precisely, the rehabilitation process of the fingers becomes more effective. 20 The invention allows the hand to be adjusted by opening and closing the distance between the fingers. exercises make significant contributions to the recovery of functions By facilitating and being customizable to the individual, it simplifies the rehabilitation process. It accelerates the process. In addition, it can be integrated into the hand rehabilitation unit (10). In addition to flexion / extension (FE) exercises, abduction / adduction (AA), 25 Opposition exercises can also be performed. This allows the patient to perform hand and finger exercises. It is being enabled to regain its functions in a more comprehensive way, with different movements Combining these exercises makes the rehabilitation process more efficient. Both exercises... rehabilitation can be carried out through the same hand rehabilitation unit (10). reducing the number of devices used in the process, making treatment sessions more effective. 30 This brings about a reduction in treatment time. As a result, costs decrease and the patient... A more suitable and efficient treatment method is provided. The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the claims attached hereto, and these details are strictly adhered to. The explanation cannot be limited to those given for illustrative purposes. Because a 35-year-old is an expert in the field. the person, without deviating from the main theme of the invention, in light of what has been described above, similar It is clear that these structures can emerge. 11 REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE FIGURE 1 Finger Rehabilitation Unit 2 Flexible Bodies Channel 5, 21 Rehabilitation Unit 11 Main Units 111 Top Surface 12 Positioning Zones 13 First Reservoir 10 14 Second Chamber Conservative 16 Multiplexers 17 Motion Transmission Elements 18 Motion Directional Unit 15 181 Preservation 182 Guide 183 Sliding Elements 184 Liaisons 19 Drive Elements 20 191 Transfer Elements Fluid Management Element Pipe (E) Hand (G) Gloves 25

Claims

12 REQUESTS 1. The invention is a finger rehabilitation unit (1) to provide hand (E) rehabilitation. Its characteristic feature is that it involves contact with at least one finger, resulting in finger abduction. To enable the adduction and opposition movement of the thumb, 5 a structure that expands when at least one fluid is passed through it and when the fluid is discharged from it. It contains at least one flexible body (2) that shrinks when it is compressed.

2. A finger rehabilitation unit (1) according to claim 1, and its feature is; flexible body (2) is that it contains at least one channel (21) that allows the transmission and discharge of fluid. 10 3. According to claim 2, a finger rehabilitation unit (1) and its feature is; mentioned It contains at least one pipe (30) connected to channel (21).

4. A finger rehabilitation unit (1) according to claim 1, and its feature is; fluid 15 conveying the fluid to the flexible body (2) with the desired pressure value and the conveyed fluid with at least one fluid management element (20) that enables vacuuming It is the fact that they are linked.

5. According to claim 1, a finger rehabilitation unit (1) has the following features; with the finger 20 It contains at least one holder (15) that enables its connection.

6. According to claim 1, a finger rehabilitation unit (1) and its feature is; mentioned The fluid is air.

7. A finger rehabilitation unit (1) according to claim 1, and its feature is; flexible body (2) is that it is in the form of a bellows.

8. A finger rehabilitation unit (1) according to claim 1, and its feature is; flexible body (2) It is made of silicone rubber compound. 30 9. According to claim 1, a finger rehabilitation unit (1) and its feature is; rehabilitation It is integrated into the unit (10). 35

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