Towards a modified consumer haptic device for robotic-assisted fine-motor repetitive motion training

• Published in: Disability and rehabilitation: Assistive technology Vol. 6; no. 6; p. 546
• Main Authors: Palsbo, Susan E, Marr, Deborah, Streng, Taylor, Bay, Brian K, Norblad, A Walter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.11.2011
• Subjects: Computer Peripherals; Curriculum; Humans; Motor Skills; Pilot Projects; Robotics - instrumentation; Robotics - methods; Software; Statistics as Topic; Telemedicine; User-Computer Interface
• ISSN: 1748-3115
• DOI: 10.3109/17483107.2010.532287

To develop, test and evaluate affordable haptic technology to provide robotic-assisted repetitive motion fine-motor training. 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. 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. 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.