The Role of Bio-Inspired Soft Robotic Gloves in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Analytical Review

Except you never thought of spastic hands that will never be able to get into any glove!  Maybe in an hour I might be able to get my left hand into a glove with two people helping me, but why even try when it is that difficult? I wear mittens if needed. Do you idiots ever actually talk to stroke survivors? Or are you in your bubble of stroke research that can't join with the real world?

 The Role of Bio-Inspired Soft Robotic Gloves in Stroke Rehabilitation: A
Comprehensive Analytical Review

Mohammad Suhaimi Selomah1, Noorhamizah Mohamed Nasir1,*, Jamaludin Jalani1, Hisyam Abdul

Rahman1, Saif Huq2

1

2

Department of Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), 86400

Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science, Kinsley School of Engineering, Sciences and Technology, York

College of Pennsylvania, York, PA 17403, United States of America

ABSTRACT

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, with many survivors experiencing

impaired motor function. Traditional rehabilitation methods often face limitations in

achieving full functional recovery. In recent years, bio-inspired soft robotic gloves have

emerged as a promising solution for enhancing stroke rehabilitation, mimicking the

natural movement and adaptability of biological systems. This paper provides a

comprehensive analytical review of bio-inspired soft robotic gloves designed for stroke

rehabilitation, focusing on their development, fabrication methods and therapeutic

applications. The primary objective of this review is to evaluate the role of bio-inspired

designs in the creation of soft robotic gloves and assess their effectiveness in facilitating

motor recovery post-stroke. A systematic analysis of existing literature is conducted,

exploring various fabrication techniques, including soft material integration, actuators

and sensors, as well as the application of these gloves in clinical and therapeutic

settings. Findings from this review reveal that bio-inspired soft robotic gloves show

significant potential in improving patient outcomes by enhancing finger and hand

movement through assisted motor control. These devices offer advantages in terms of

comfort, flexibility and adaptability, allowing for prolonged and intensive rehabilitation

sessions. However, limitations remain, such as the high cost of fabrication, challenges

in achieving precise motor control and the lack of large-scale clinical trials to validate

long-term efficacy. The research has several implications: (1) Theoretical: advancing

the understanding of bio-inspired design principles in soft robotics; (2) Methodological:

highlighting fabrication techniques that enhance glove performance and user

adaptability. This review offers original value by consolidating and analysing recent

developments in bio-inspired soft robotic gloves, contributing to both the academic

literature and practical applications in stroke rehabilitation. It emphasizes the necessity

of future research to address current limitations, especially in optimizing performance

and reducing production costs, while enhancing patient outcomes.