This study evaluates a four-week, home-based robotic hand rehabilitation program for stroke survivors with mild to moderate hand dysfunction. The program uses a lightweight, portable 3D-printed robotic hand controlled by a mobile application, designed to be more affordable, user-friendly, and suitable for home use compared with traditional, clinic-based robotic systems. The mobile app enables easier operation and monitoring of exercise dosage, addressing previous limitations such as complex setup, high cost, and the need for therapist-operated equipment in clinical settings.
The intervention adopts a hybrid learning mode and integrates the robotic hand with a set of preparatory exercises tailored for post-stroke hypertonic upper limbs. It targets patients who retain some active wrist extension and can therefore safely and effectively engage in repetitive, task-specific training at home. By incorporating both cognitive engagement and high-repetition motor practice, the protocol aims to enhance motor learning, functional hand use, and participation in daily activities.
This trial is designed as a prospective randomized controlled study to compare outcomes between participants using the robotic hand protocol and a control group. Key outcome measures will include hand function, level of engagement in daily activities, and quality of life in stroke survivors. The findings are expected to guide rehabilitation practitioners in identifying which stroke patients are most suitable for robotic hand training, as well as in determining optimal training duration and dosage. In the longer term, the goal is to enable more stroke survivors to access intensive, regular hand rehabilitation at home, delivered at a reasonable medical cost and supported by a structured, evidence-based protocol.