A home-care system for the telemonitoring and telerehabilitation of the hand incorporating interactive biofeedback

We have designed and constructed force measurement equipment to assess hand-finger function in pressing tasks. The equipment was used for monitoring the follow-up of five hand-transplanted subjects. Interactive software was integrated into the instrument to monitor the functionality of the hand and fingers during exercises in realtime. The interactive software included biofeedback to provide realtime quantitative responses for the patient and the therapist. Acceptance of the system was investigated with patients and therapists: the system was found to be user-friendly and effective; it was practical both for patients and therapists. The system could be used in a telerehabilitation centre or in a patient's home.