A Tendon-Like Orthosis Actuated by Shape Memory Alloy Wires and Controlled by Myoelectric Signals: A Single-Finger Prototype

People of industrialized countries are living longer and consequently the incidence of disability coming from medical conditions such as stroke is increasing. The hand rehabilitation process following a stroke accident requires very intense rehabilitation sessions. It is crucial to improve the outcomes of hand physical therapy by providing patients with an orthosis aid designed to assist their movement and performing the role of exercising the hand during the early stages of recovery. The aim of this work is to describe the system architecture and the mechanical design of a new tendon-like orthosis actuated by shape memory alloy (SMA) wires and controlled by myoelectric signals.