Comparison of Writing Speed, Letter Size, and Upper Extremity Muscle Activation in Stroke Patients Using Two Writing Aids: Evaluation with the Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test

Currently, writing aids for upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients are not developed with consideration of biomechanical characteristics, making it difficult to achieve proper support effects. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a comparative analysis to examine how the use of two types of writing aids affects writing speed, letter size, and upper extremity muscle activation based on hand function and electromyography assessments in 12 stroke patients. Hand function was assessed using the Jebsen–Taylor hand function test, while writing ability (writing speed and letter size) was measured using the Korean alphabet writing test. Muscle activity was recorded using surface electromyography from both the paralyzed side (PS) and nonparalyzed side (NPS). The results showed that writing speed was significantly slower and horizontal letter sizes were larger on the PS. Additionally, muscle activation patterns on the PS were significantly influenced by the design of the writing aids, suggesting that the aids’ design affects compensatory movements and muscle function. These findings emphasize the importance of personalized rehabilitation tools that cater to the individual needs of stroke patients. Future research will focus on developing customized writing aids based on biomechanical data to better support rehabilitation goals.