Ergonomic Hand Motion Assistance and AR Rehabilitation: Bridging the Gap in Tremor Disorder Therapies Through Mixed Reality

This study introduces an innovative mixed reality intervention for managing tremor disorders, including essential tremor and Parkinson's disease, which affect motor functions in millions globally. Our device uniquely integrates ergonomic hand motion assistance with an augmented reality (AR) rehabilitation system, aligning with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles. It offers adaptive physical support for various hand sizes and tremor patterns and an AR platform accessible via smartphone. This platform provides personalized rehabilitation exercises and includes interactive tutorials and telehealth capabilities for remote guidance from healthcare professionals. Employing an iterative design process informed by feedback from stakeholders, including affected individuals, medical experts, and design specialists, the device demonstrates significant improvements in motor control and task performance. Moreover, it enhances user autonomy and satisfaction, bridging the gap in existing tremor therapies by synergizing physical stabilization with virtual rehabilitation. This DEI-focused innovation in mixed reality technology represents a substantial advancement in comprehensive and inclusive tremor disorder treatment, offering a versatile, user-friendly solution within the XR healthcare landscape.