Relationship between Pushing Force and Improvement in Total Active Motion in Training with Finger Extensor Facilitation Training Device “iPARKO-2”

Abstract

The recovery of hand function in chronic stroke survivors is challenging because of finger complexity and post-stroke spasticity. This study developed iPARKO-2, a novel device that simulates the manual finger extensor facilitation technique while overcoming the limitations of the original device. iPARKO-2 enables the simultaneous fixation of the index through the little fingers and applies resistance from the proximal phalanges, allowing training in patients with strong fingertip spasticity. This study is a pilot study aimed at technical validation and feasibility. Five participants underwent training at three distinct target-pushing force levels. Concurrently, their active range of motion and extensor muscle activity were measured. The results show a direct correlation between the increased pushing force and the improvement in total active motion. Furthermore, the level of muscle activity exhibited a positive correlation with the extent of the observed improvement. iPARKO-2 also reduced the fixation time and enhanced usability. These findings suggest that iPARKO-2 effectively enhances voluntary hand movements and that pushing force is a key factor in determining training efficacy.

Keywords

Chronic hemiplegic / Finger extensor muscle / Hand rehabilitation / Maximum voluntary contraction / Muscle activity / Rehabilitation device

Statement of the Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in the Writing Process

During the preparation of this manuscript, the author(s) used ChatGPT (OpenAI) in order to improve the clarity, grammar, and readability of the text through language polishing and stylistic refinement. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the published article.

Acknowledgments

We sincerely thank all participants for their valuable contributions to this study.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, Y.M. and H.T.; Methodology, S.I. and R.Y.; Software, S.I.; Validation, Y.M. and H.T.; Formal Analysis, S.I. and R.Y.; Investigation, S.I., R.Y. and H.T.; Resources, Y.M.; Data Curation, Y.M.; Writing—Original Draft Preparation, Y.M.; Writing—Review & Editing, S.I., R.Y. and H.T.; Visualization, S.I.; Supervision, Y.M.; Project Administration, Y.M.; Funding Acquisition, Y.M.

Ethics Statement

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Nagoya Institute of Technology on 21 July 2020 (Approval No.: 2020-001).

Informed Consent Statement

All participants provided written informed consent before the measurements.

Data Availability Statement

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Funding

This research was funded by the JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (19K12878).

Declaration of Competing Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

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