Preliminary Evaluation of a Wearable Soft-Robotic Glove Supporting Grip Strength in ADL

Abstract

In the ongoing ironHand (iH) project, a wearable soft-robotic glove, the iH system, is being developed to support the hand during daily functioning. This study gives a first insight in the potential effect of the glove in daily life. Preliminary results show that participants can increase their pinch grip strength with assistance of the glove, but functional tasks were performed slower with the glove compared to performing these tasks without the glove. Overall, usability of the iH system was perceived as good. More research is needed to determine the impact of the iH system in daily life.