Computer-Assisted Visual Feedback for New Hand and Arm Therapy Apparatus

Abstract

There is an unfulfilled need for new hand and arm exercising apparatus in the rehabilitation departments of hospitals. This conclusion is reached from the lack of specific rehabilitation equipment currently available, and from the potential benefits offered by new designs that involve computer technology. A new type of apparatus has been designed which incorporates a program written in BBC BASIC and runs on a BBC microcomputer. This paper focuses on the program, which provides computer-assisted visual feedback to patients striving towards return of muscle strength and dexterity in the hand and arm.