Investigating the Devices that Measure and Improve Grip Strength Through Telerehabilitation: A Scoping Review

Sam James; Esther James; Megan Conrad; Sankar Sengupta

doi:10.18502/jmr.v18i3.16415

Sam James Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, United States.
Esther James Rafa Therapies Inc, Detroit, United States.
Megan Conrad Department of Physical, Medicine, and Rehabilitation, Detroit Medical Center, Sinai-Grace Hospital, Detroit, United States.
Sankar Sengupta Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Science, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, United States.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmr.v18i3.16415

Keywords: Hand strength; Smartphone; Telerehabilitation; Video games; Stroke; Muscle strength dynamometer

Abstract

Introduction: Grip strength is a vital hand function skill required to perform everyday tasks. Diseases and conditions deteriorate grip strength. Repetitive exercises can improve grip strength, but people are non-compliant with home exercise programs. Gamification of exercises can increase home exercise compliance. A device is needed to measure and rehabilitate grip strength and to deliver exercises remotely. A preliminary search on that topic did not provide any review literature on grip-strength devices. Accordingly, this scoping literature review (SLR) explores various electronic devices and sensors used to measure grip strength.

Materials and Methods: Five electronic databases, namely PubMed, IEEE, Scopus, ACM digital library, and Web of Science, were searched. Modified preferred reporting items for systematic literature review and meta-analysis guidelines were used, with population/disease, intervention, comparison, and outcome framework employed to identify keywords and frame the research questions.

Results: The results of the search yielded 3546 articles, and after elimination, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Hence, this review has categorized various devices and sensors that measured grip strength, along with their wireless communication and gamification capabilities.

Conclusion: The categorization presented in this review can help researchers use this information for future directions by emphasizing research gaps and designing telerehabilitation devices.