Preliminary results open up new markets for Carbonhand
In an ongoing study*, the grip strengthening glove Carbonhand is tested at home for 6 weeks to receive a first insight in the therapeutic effect of using the glove as assisting tool during daily activities (ADL). Preliminary results showed that grip strength was improved and that participants appreciated use of the glove to assist them with daily life activities. These preliminary findings hold promise for observing a clinical effect of using the grip strengthening glove as assistance in ADL upon completion of data collection.
Hand function is very important to perform activities of daily living. One of the most common problems concerning hand function is a decrease in hand strength, which occurs across a wide range of disorders. Specifically, people with reduced hand function often have difficulties with holding and manipulating objects, subsequently leading to difficulties with independently performing ADL. These limitations can have a negative effect on their participation in society or on quality of life. Wearable robotics seem a promising approach to enable direct support of motor function for prolonged periods in the home environment of patients.
With Carbonhand, performance of functional activities can be enhanced directly, while it is hypothesized that using the affected arm and hand repeatedly during ADL provides intensive and task-specific training at the same time. This might result in improved unsupported arm and hand function after prolonged use. In the present study, the aim was to examine if six weeks use of Carbonhand during ADL at home resulted in a therapeutic effect on hand strength and hand function.
The findings at the current stage of this ongoing study, with 21% of needed participants, hold promise for confirming a therapeutic effect of using the grip strengthening glove as assistance in ADL on hand strength and function upon completion of data collection.
The Carbonhand has to date been available as an assistive device and would through a rehabilitation indication access a completely new market, the market potential for a rehabilitation glove in a home setting is significant. One of the potential rehabilitation areas is for people suffering a stroke. According to the World Health Organization, 10 million people survive a stroke worldwide each year. For stroke patients, impaired hand function is one of the most frequently persisting consequences of stroke, paralysis of the hand or upper limb occurs acutely in up to 87% of all stroke survivors. By enabling rehabilitation in a home setting more people will get their hand function back and the costs will be significantly reduced.
“Although this is preliminary results, I am confident that many patients with weak hand function will be given an opportunity to recover essential hand functions, enabling them to carry out daily life activities. During the last year, several studies have been published that provides increasingly scientific support for our grip strengthening glove Carbonhand. We believe that the evidence in this and previous studies will make it easier for people in need to actually get Carbonhand prescribed.“ -says Petter Bäckgren, CEO at Bioservo.
* Kottink AIR, Nikamp CDM, Buurke JH, Bos F, van der Sluis CK, van den Broek M, Onneweer B, Stolwijk-Swüste JM, Brink SM, Rietman JS, Prange-Lasonder GB. Six weeks use of a wearable soft-robotic glove during ADL: preliminary results of ongoing clinical study. 5th International Conference on Neurorehabilitation (ICNR), Oct 13-16 2020. The clinical trial has been conducted within the framework of the iHand project. The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 801945.
For more information, please contact
Petter Bäckgren, CEO, Bioservo Technologies AB
Phone: 08 21 17 10
petter.backgren@bioservo.com
Mikael Wester, Marketing Director, Bioservo Technologies AB
Phone: 08 21 17 10
mikael.wester@bioservo.com
About Carbonhand®
Carbonhand is a grip enhancing soft-robotic glove that adds extra strength and reinforces the hand’s functions. Carbonhand helps people with impaired hand function to perform daily activities and become more independent. The glove is based on Bioservo’s unique SEM™ Technology (Soft Extra Muscle) which also is used in the grip strengthening glove Ironhand® that is used for industrial applications.
About Bioservo Technologies
Bioservo Technologies AB (publ) is a world leading company in wearable muscle strengthening systems for people in need of extra strength and endurance. All our innovative products and systems are designed to keep people strong, healthy and efficient.
The company has a unique global position within soft exoskeleton technology for the hand, both for industrial applications to improve the health for workers and to improve quality of life for people with reduced muscle strength.
Bioservo Technologies was founded in 2006 in collaboration between researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology and a doctor at Karolinska University Hospital. Bioservo Technologies is a Swedish public limited company with headquarters in Stockholm.
FNCA Sweden AB, +46(0)8 528 00399, info@fnca.se is the Company’s Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North Growth Market.
For more information, please visit www.bioservo.com
About Roessingh Research and Development
Roessingh Research and Development (RRD) is a large scientific research institute focused on rehabilitation technology and eHealth. RRD works closely with Roessingh, Centre for Rehabilitation and the University of Twente in the field of rehabilitation technology and eHealth, but also with international partners. For more information, please visit www.rrd.nl
Tags:
