Exercise Therapy Devices for the Hand

Investigator: Eric E. Sabelman, PhD

Project Staff: Beatrice Netter, MS and Michael Ward, MD

Summary: Inexpensive hand exercisers typically provide poor control over magnitude and direction of forces applied to the joints. We have developed a constant force exerciser to provide precise angle and force control during flexion/extension of the fingers and wrist and pronation/supination of the wrist; this device will be useful in clinical therapy, and with the addition of a counter module, in the home for outpatient therapy. A second device provides controlled exercise with non-pharmacologic pain relief by means of contrast baths; it is intended for persons with arthritis or tendon transfers following spinal cord injury.

Findings: A new literature search has identified 25 studies of the use of warm water, warm water with exercise, exercise only and cold water.

Funding Source: Core