The requirements and specifications of the two different systems (Carbonhand and Ironhand®) were completed within the second reporting period (WP1). Further development of software and hardware was done with focus on usability, comfort, product cost, performance and producibility (WP2, WP3). Improvements have been made regarding the cloud-based data collection system. Collaborations with academia has been formed with the purpose of validating the data collection methods (WP3).
The user trials and clinical trial has shown positive results until this date, for both products (WP4). The clinical trial with Carbonhand show significant improvement in mean grip strength of 4.74 kg from pre- to postintervention. Besides hand strength, functional ability of the (most) affected hand improved significantly on the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). The improvements were generally sustained, or even continued, at follow-up, implying a lasting change in hand strength and/or functional ability after 6 weeks of glove use. The current result supports the presence of a therapeutic effect of using Carbonhand. The clinical trial will continue until completion in Q1 2022.
A total number of 15 conferences were attended by Bioservo during the project. Twenty workshops were held to promote both iHand solutions. Press releases, publications, social media updates and other PR were performed as part of the dissemination activities carried out (WP5). As part of the exploitation plan, several activities have been performed to expand and strengthen the distributor network (WP6). The growth of Bioservo’s distributor network has been successful throughout the project. Today 12 distributors in 3 different continents, and 2 rental companies in Europe and Japan (WP6).
