The more someone exercises after a stroke, the greater the chance that their arm/hand function will improve. But that can be quite difficult, having to keep exercising alongside all the other things you have to do. But what if exercising coincides with everyday tasks that you have to do anyway? Researchers at Roessingh and the University of Twente are working on designing smart everyday objects. These are interactive, so they challenge people to use the affected hand. Just at home, while brushing your teeth, cooking, or using the computer.

Nowadays, there is an increasing focus on home rehabilitation, often using technology such as web portals. However, in practice, we see that exercise time often falls short. In the Freehabilitation study, we have a different approach to encouraging arm/hand function exercises at home: interactive everyday objects. The Freehabilitation toolkit includes a mug, toothbrush, placemat and computer mouse with sensors and LED lights to encourage the use of the affected arm/hand, for example after a stroke, during everyday activities. In this way, performing everyday tasks can become intensive therapy without the patient even noticing.

 

Tasks Roessingh

The set of interactive objects was developed in previous projects by the University of Twente in consultation with Roessingh Research and Development (RRD) and users. In this project, the latest version is being tested by intended users in a collaboration between the University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Twente Hospital Group (ZGT) and Roessingh. Saxion is conducting research into the ease of use and user experiences of the interactive objects in everyday life. This information will enable the University of Twente to further improve the toolkit. RRD is providing advice on setting up and conducting the study among people who have suffered a stroke and, together with ZGT in Almelo, is helping to recruit test subjects.

 

Project duration

May 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025

 

Partners

4 partners from the Twente region are collaborating in Freehabilitation:

  • University of Twente
  • Saxion University of Applied Sciences
  • Twente Hospital Group
  • Roessingh Center for Rehabilitation

 

Grantor

Pioneers in Healthcare