Lightweight and adaptable assistive devices utilizing cables and motors offer a promising approach to restoring lost motor function in the upper limbs. A systematic evaluation of these devices considers factors like mechanism design, control strategies, actuation methods, and performance metrics. Such evaluations typically compare different designs, analyze their advantages and disadvantages, and identify areas for future development, encompassing aspects like biocompatibility, user comfort, and clinical efficacy.
Restoring upper-limb functionality following injury or illness is crucial for regaining independence and quality of life. Assistive technologies play a vital role in this process, and devices employing cable-driven systems represent a significant advancement due to their potential for portability, affordability, and personalized therapy. Rigorous assessments of these systems are essential to drive innovation and ensure their effectiveness in meeting diverse rehabilitation needs. These assessments build upon decades of biomechanics research, robotics advancements, and a growing understanding of neuroplasticity.
