Soft robotic devices for hand rehabilitation and assistance: a narrative review

Chia-Ye Chu and Rita M. Patterson, Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 2018 15:9 doi:10.1186/s12984-018-0350-6

Since the emergence of soft robotic devices for hand rehabilitation roughly 10 years ago, the field has progressed rapidly. Significant progress has been made in establishing proof-of-concept of designs of preclinical research prototypes, with clinical trials being the next logical goal. But for many devices, more work needs to be done to perfect actuator design and feedback to maximize patient safety and rehabilitation outcomes.
We hope that this review of the current approaches in designing soft robotic devices for hand rehabilitation will serve as a useful resource for future developers and facilitate the evolution of the field.

 Soft robotic devices for hand rehabilitation and assistance: a narrative review