Luva inteligente para detecção de movimento e força dos dedos para reabilitação pós Acidente Vascular Cerebral(AVC)

Abstract

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident, CVA) is one of the leading causes of physical disability, often impairing fine motor skills of the hands and fingers, directly affecting patients’ autonomy. Upper limb motor rehabilitation is essential, and in addition to conventional therapies, the use of technological tools has gained prominence in supporting recovery. Among these innovations, smart gloves have emerged as a promising solution by monitoring hand movements and providing real-time feedback, assisting both patients and healthcare professionals. In this context, the present study aimed to develop and validate a smart glove capable of detecting and monitoring the movement and individual strength of the fingers, directly contributing to the motor rehabilitation process of individuals affected by stroke. The methodology involved selecting and integrating compatible electronic components, prioritizing availability and technical support. The prototype was developed using a textile glove equipped with flex sensors on each finger and force sensors on the index and ring fingers. The entire system was controlled by an ESP-WROOM-32 microcontroller, responsible for reading and processing the data in real-time. To validate the glove’s functionality, practical tests were conducted in a controlled environment, simulating f inger flexion movements and force application on objects. The data collected were transmitted via Wi-Fi and subsequently exported to Excel for graphical analysis and measurement generation. The results demonstrated that the smart glove successfully detected variations in finger strength and movement over approximately 20 repetitive cycles. The thumb and index fingers exhibited higher force peaks, while the little finger showed lower intensity with greater variability. The f lex sensor readings confirmed consistent cyclic patterns. The use of the prototype facilitated the execution of the proposed movements, corroborating previous studies regarding the potential of smart gloves in motor rehabilitation. The developed smart glove represents a promising advancement in motor rehabilitation, offering an innovative and accessible solution to support the recovery of quality of life in individuals affected by stroke. However, further clinical validation with a larger number of patients is recommended.