Article

PURPOSE: To develop, test and evaluate affordable haptic technology to provide
robotic-assisted repetitive motion fine-motor training.
METHODS: A haptic
computer/user interface was modified by adding a pantograph to hold a pen and to
increase the haptic workspace. Custom software moves a pen attached to the device
through prescribed three-dimensional (3D) stroke sequences to create
two-dimensional glyphs. The pen's position is recorded in 3D coordinates at 1
kHz. Twenty-one healthy child volunteers were taught a standard handwriting
curriculum in a group setting, two times per week for 45-60 min each session over
8 wks. The curriculum was supplemented by the device under the supervision of
occupational therapy students. Outcomes were measured using the Evaluation Tool
of Children's Handwriting (ETCH), and the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of
visual-motor integration. RESULTS: Word legibility made significant gains on near
point copying task (p=0.04; effect size=0.95). Letter legibility made no
significant improvement. One healthy volunteer with illegible handwriting
improved significantly on 8 of 14 ETCH measures. The children found the device
engaging, but made several recommendations to redesign the pantograph and
scribing movements. CONCLUSIONS: A consumer haptic device can be modified for
robotic-assisted repetitive motion training for children. The device is
affordable, portable, and engaging. It is safe for healthy volunteers. Objective
time-stamped data offer the potential for telerehabilitation between a remote
therapist and the school or home.
CI - (c) 2011 Informa UK, Ltd.

Langue : ANGLAIS