Development of an MR Compatible Hand Rehabilitation Device
Author Information
Author(s): Khanicheh Azadeh, Muto Andrew, Triantafyllou Christina, Weinberg Brian, Astrakas Loukas, Tzika Aria, Mavroidis Constantinos
Primary Institution: Northeastern University
Hypothesis
Can a novel MR compatible hand device using electro-rheological fluids effectively assist in handgrip rehabilitation during fMRI?
Conclusion
The MR compatible hand device was successfully built and demonstrated to be effective for rehabilitation without degrading MR image quality.
Supporting Evidence
- The device can resist up to 50% of the maximum handgrip force.
- Tests showed no significant degradation of MR images when the device was used.
- Electro-rheological fluids were demonstrated to be fully MR compatible.
Takeaway
Researchers created a special hand device that helps people exercise their grip while getting scanned by an MRI, and it works well without messing up the pictures.
Methodology
The study involved designing, fabricating, and testing a hand device that uses electro-rheological fluids to provide variable resistance during handgrip exercises in an MR environment.
Limitations
The first prototype showed some effects of Eddy currents due to conductive electrodes, which will be addressed in future designs.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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