Design and Testing of a Biomechanical Device for Pediatric Spastic Hand Rehabilitation

Background: Children with spastic hand impairments resulting from cerebral palsy or neuromuscular disorders often exhibit a restricted range of motion and diminished functional use. Rehabilitation devices that assist joint mobilization can enhance therapeutic outcomes, yet few solutions target pediatric populations. Methods: This study aimed to design, implement, and preliminarily evaluate a biomechanical device tailored to promote flexo-extension, radial–ulnar deviation, and supination movements in spastic hands of school-aged children. A prototype combining a motor-driven actuation system, adjustable wrist and finger supports, and a MATLAB-based graphical user interface was developed. Two participants (aged 8 and 10) with clinically diagnosed spastic hemiparesis underwent 25-minute sessions over 15 consecutive days. Joint angles were recorded before and after each session using an electro-goniometer. Data normality was assessed via the Shapiro–Wilk test, and pre–post differences were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (α = 0.05). Results: Both participants demonstrated consistent increases in their active range of motion across all measured planes. Median flexo-extension improved by 12.5° (p = 0.001), ulnar–radial deviation by 7.3° (p = 0.002), and supination by 9.1° (p = 0.001). No adverse events occurred, and device tolerance remained high throughout the intervention. Conclusions: The device facilitated statistically significant enhancements in joint mobility in a small pediatric cohort, supporting its feasibility and safety in spastic hand rehabilitation. These preliminary findings warrant larger controlled trials to confirm the device’s efficacy, optimize treatment protocols, and assess its long-term functional benefits.