GLOVE THAT HELPS STROKE RECOVERY

Neofect Smart Glove and Smart Balance

THE futuristic-looking Smart

Glove and other devices turn laborious stroke rehabilitation exercises into fun games.

Every five minutes, someone in Britain suffers a stroke – when a problem with the circulation to the brain leads to damage.

Although 38,000 every year die from a stroke, many more are left disabled.

About 80 per cent of Britain’s 1.2 million stroke survivors are unable to use a hand or an arm, while others suffer long-term difficulties with their walking and balance.

Daily rehabilitation exercises are crucial but are tedious and repetitive, and many patients abandon them.

Neofect devices aim to make rehab fun by adding a game element to the exercises.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Smart Glove, a rubber and plastic ‘exoskeleton’ strapped to the hand, controls games on a screen that encourage small, intricate hand and finger movements, helping users to regain muscle control over time.

Another aid is the Smart Balance video game, based on the arcade hit Dance Dance Revolution.

A mat with pressure sensors allow the feet to control what happens on screen, building strength and co-ordination in the legs.

WHEN CAN I GET IT?

Neofect make a range of stroke rehab ‘game’ devices but they’re expensive.

The Smart Glove and associated software costs thousands of pounds and the company is primarily hoping to target clinics rather than individuals.

neofect.com