Good gloves might permit stroke sufferers to relearn the piano

Jul 01, 2023 at 8:12 PM

Scientists have developed a pair of good gloves that might permit sufferers who’ve limb weak point to relearn to play the piano.

Those who’ve had a stroke could usually present a lowered skill or be utterly unable to maneuver their palms, fingers, or wrists, making it tough to hold out handbook actions.

The exoskeleton glove makes use of artificial intelligence, contact sensors and transferring parts referred to as actuators to assist mimic pure hand actions so sufferers can relearn handbook duties.

Researchers say that the proof-of-concept gloves “teaches” their wearer to really feel the distinction between proper and unsuitable actions.

When an individual wears the gloves to play the piano, it is ready to detect the place the wearer went unsuitable of their actions, enabling them to “understand their performance and make improvements”.

“We found that the glove can learn to distinguish between correct and incorrect piano play,” stated Dr Erik Engeberg, a professor at Florida Atlantic University’s division of ocean and mechanical engineering.

“This means it could be a valuable tool for personalised rehabilitation of people who wish to relearn to play music.”

In the UK in the present day, it’s estimated that there are 1.2 million stroke survivors.

Stroke is a number one reason for incapacity, with virtually two thirds of survivors leaving the hospital with limb weak point, visible issues, and language and communication issues.

As a part of the experiments, the gloves have been taught to play the nursery rhyme “Mary had a little lamb” on the piano utilizing pre-programmed actions.

The researchers stated additional work must be finished to enhance the gloves’ accuracy and make them extra adaptable, however sooner or later they hope that stroke sufferers and other people with disabilities might use these gloves to regain arm perform.

Commenting on the work, Juliet Bouverie, chief govt of the Stroke Association, stated: “It’s an exciting time for technology in stroke research.

“The financial burden on well being and social care on this nation calls for progressive approaches to therapy and care, which have the potential to cut back the devastating results of stroke.”

Ms Bouverie added: “We hope the outcomes of this analysis will assist construct on our present understanding to result in efficient remedies to assist rebuild lives after stroke.”