3D Printed Aquahand helps stroke patients

Elena Ramirez, Colleen Perry, and Jeff Peisner graduates from Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania  originally wrote a proposal to 3D print prosthetic hands for children but discovered it had potential for stroke patients

Ramirez said: “Our goal was to make an inexpensive alternative for users that rapidly outgrow these devices.

However, after receiving funding they learned that not many children need prosthetics.

Ramirez said: “We switched direction because we thought we could make a bigger difference designing exoskeletons for rehabilitation.”

That switch culminated in the creation of the 3D printed exoskeleton called the Aquahand.

The device is currently in its second year of development and the project has taken on three new students, Emily Macmillan, Dan Levy, and Sam He.

The researchers are currently working on creating separate exoskeletons for three different movements, as well as the code needed to simplify the sizing which generates measurements from a simple photo of a recipient’s hand.

The device is designed for patients who suffer from movement disorders, especially those caused by strokes.

Ramirez said: “The functionality of the Aquahand is based on the concept of neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire synapses and neural connections from repetitive movement.

“A patient can relearn a movement if it’s performed ~[?]400 times/hour. However, this requires assistance from a therapist or medical device.

“The springs are the driving force to open the hand. I can attach springs based on desired strength since muscle tone varies across patients.

“After the Aquahand opens the hand, the patient can close using his or her own muscle tone. This allows a patient to repeat the gross grasp movement.

“The hope is that a patient relearns the movement to the point where they can grasp without exoskeleton or a therapist’s assistance.”

While the design is intended mostly for patients with spastic muscle tone, Ramirez says that there are other potential uses as the Aquahand provides for fine motor exercises.

The design files for the Aquahand have been made available for others to download and 3D print themselves on Thingiverse.