SPiRE Maestro Hand Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation Post Stroke

Feasibility of Using Maestro Hand Exoskeleton in Post-stroke Hand Rehabilitation to Improve Joint Coordination

The research team will develop a novel training tool to improve finger joint coordination, to address the unmet need in the current rehabilitation, thereby enhancing hand function and contributing to improved independence and quality of life for Veterans with stroke.

The research team will determine feasibility of training using CA and TA controllers in subacute stroke. Specifically, we will examine if joint coordination improves over a training session. The investigators will compare the extent of improvement for each controller and impairment severity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult Veterans with a stroke 1-6 months ago
• Ability to move fingers (Chedoke-McMaster Hand Section Stage 2-4)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to follow 2-step commands
• Severe muscle tone prohibiting proper placement of the fingers (Modified Ashworth Scale, MAS=5 out of 5)
• Change in spasticity medication or botulinum toxin injection in the upper limb within 3 months prior to or during enrollment