Hand neuro-rehabilitation system using Nitinol spring actuators

This paper presents the design and implementation of a neuro-rehabilitation system for hands based on Nitinol actuators. The design process of a mechanism to assist hand rehabilitation therapies of spastic patients is presented. The system is based on the use of shape memory alloy (SMA) springs, Nitinol mainly, as the actuation system, being that this system presents compliance behavior that is needed for these rehabilitation therapies. The design described uses this actuation system to perform hand rehabilitation therapies, recommended by a physiotherapist. The software developed for programming and supervising the therapies is also presented. The results obtained when using the system in a patient with right hemiparesis are shown.