Using 3D printing to produce affordable hand exoskeletons for stroke rehabilitation

A stroke in the case of elderly often induces long-term physical disabilities. Rehabilitation exercise is crucial for stroke patients to improve their body functions and muscle strength. Nevertheless, elderly stroke patients can only receive exercise therapy of a few hours or less per week from community rehabilitation centres run by social service agencies, while rehabilitation treatments offered by private practitioners may not be affordable to them.

Adopting 3D printing, the venture aims to develop an assistive hand exoskeleton for use by elderly stroke patients in rehabilitation. It would produce the rehabilitation equipment at an affordable price and thus allows the patients to perform rehabilitation exercises at home. It is expected that the exoskeleton could enhance the self-care ability of the elderly patients and relieve the stress of their caregivers as well. Training will be provided to elderly stroke patients on how to use the assistive hand exoskeleton.