Prototype Sensor with Optical Principle for Measuring Strength of the Fingers

Abstract

The loss of strength in the hand caused by different pathologies, accidents or injuries, affects the development and performance of the daily activities of the subject and if they are not treated properly they can generate a permanent atrophy in the functionality of the hand. Currently, there are different therapy options and high-cost technological alternatives that focus on the rehabilitation of strength and the coordination of hand movements. Therefore, we propose the development of a prototype technology that measures the strength of the fingers through a modern system, which uses an optical principle sensor, as a low cost alternative, that can be implemented in physical rehabilitation therapies. This to get the strength and coordination of fingers of the hand. The main elements of the prototype are: plastic pieces that go in the fingertips and distal phalanges, palmar coating, a distance sensor (composed of a photoresistor, a led encapsulated in a tube), springs that provide three levels of resistance, a microcontroller and a graphic interface that allows the user and the specialist to know the progress of the patient during therapy.