Designing and Implementing a Hand Orthosis for Rheumatoid Arthritis Rehabilitation

This article addresses the implementation of a hand orthosis for rehabilitation focused on people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, considered a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the functionality of the joints and limits the mobility of the fingers. Using computer-aided design (CAD) tools, a device was developed to emulate the anatomical movements of the fingers based on a system of rigid joints interconnected by a 4bar mechanism. To validate the constructed orthosis, tests were carried out in controlled environments, obtaining a mechanical design that can be adapted to the morphology of the hand. The orthosis also has a control system that guarantees the precision of the programmed movements. This research provides a solid basis for the design of adaptive medical devices and paves the way for the development of similar technologies in the field of rehabilitation.