Hand dexterity Robotic gloves?

[Jelevents]

Good evening, first post here, still in recovery after my stroke on Easter Monday and still progressing albeit slowly, I’ve regained use of my leg,arm, hand and are able to eat and drink as normal but my left hand is really painful in the fingers. I’m doing all my exercises given by my o.t. and physiotherapist, the exercises help a bit but I’m curious whether the robotic gloves I’ve seen are any good, has anyone used one of these gloves? Thanks in advance.

[Norma751]

Hello Jelevents, I just want to say welcome to our happy little band. I’m sorry but i can’t help with the robotic gloves, but maybe one of our other members might. I hope you’ll gain something from the site. Sorry to hear about the hand pain you are having, hope that your exercises will help in time. Your stroke is quite new, well done for the improvement so far. If we can help, please don’t hesitate to ask. Best wishes Norma

[ManjiB]

Hello @Jelevents - welcome to the community.

Good to know you are making a good recovery since your stroke on Easter Monday. Progress can be slow and steady or sometimes fast and furious - it depends a number of factors such as type and size of stroke, help received, response to treatment/exercises etc.

For you, the rate of recovery is something you will be able to manage within reason as there are times when no matter what you do, things just don’t work.

I have no idea or experience of the robotic gloves you seek to try. Perhaps your OT/PT might be able to offer some advice. I remember when we had access to a PT, he did suggest a few things that he had experience with but which were not available on the NHS.

However, this forum is an incredible source of information and support most of which is first hand from either stroke survivors or carers. You can do a search for things and if someone has mentioned it before you will find it here.

So for example, doing a search on “robotic glove” yields the following results

Then you can read the posts and see if they answer your questions:

Robotic gloves to stimulate hand movement

Hello fellow stroke survivors, Do any of yo have experience of robotic gloves to stimulate movement in your hands and fingers? If so, did it work for you? I am looking in to this, as am so frustrated that I have no independent movement of my left hand and arm, but don’t want to waste money on something that’s not going to help me. Please, if you have any positive experiences to report, or recommendations of particular gloves you have used, let me know! Thank you so much, Wendyb1

Anybody tried Rehab Robot Glove?

Considering this for my husband. His right side was badly affected and there is still no movement in his hand. Would be really interested if anybody has tried one. thanks

Passive hand exercise

Look at my new toy to try and get my left hand operating properly From America and has a right mit for mirror work. Not cheap but as the NHS is borderline useless had to look out for myself. [IMG_1330] There is a mirror hand glove so the robot cover emulates the right hand The control box is rechargeable. I’m trying to wake the brain up to my left hand. Could be a game changer.

This’ll get you started …

Good luck and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Namaste|

[Bobbi]

If you are strapped for cash here’s an inexpensive finger exercise kit.
Others on the forum will able to suggest other things to try.

My suggestions?

A box of clothes pegs. Put them on and off the edge of the box.

A carrier bag with a few bits in it. Pick it up and put it down. Use hand, arm and core to build balance and strength.

Any exercise performed regularly will bring some use back. Over time you will discover that you have recovered some ability.

Be persistent but gentle with yourself.
Keep your hopes under control.
Be pleased with small improvements.
Rest is as important as exercise. Take breaks.

Watch out for what others have to say.
There is much out there worth learning.

[ManjiB]

@Bobbi

A box of clothes pegs. Put them on and off the edge of the box.

Hi Bobbi - this is a fantastic idea and if you haven’t done it already, please think about doing a little video with you and Hilary doing some commentary and then add it to your YouTube channel.

This will be a great help to many

[Mrs5K]

@Jelevents just popping by to say hi , welcome to the community.

I know people that have tried robotic gloves with some success but don’t have experience myself. They are expensive so I am sure you’d like to know they are worth investing in first. @ManjiB has shared some links which will be a good starting point for you.

@Bobbi has mentioned pegs. I did this exercise initially too. It kept my hubby fit as he had to retrieve all the pegs that I didn’t get on the side of the box and flung across the room instead. but in seriousness it did help and I could easily see the progress when I got the pegs on the box.

Best wishes

Ann