RehabFlex

RehabFlex is a gamified hand rehabilitation device that transforms repetitive finger training into an experience closer to “playing” than “rehabbing.” Built for people living with hand osteoarthritis—where pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion can make long-term physiotherapy hard to sustain—RehabFlex targets a practical barrier observed in the field: common hand rehabilitation equipment is often rudimentary, and the recovery process quickly becomes boring.

Inspired by the flexible fingers of a pianist, RehabFlex maps motion to music. When users bend each finger to different angles, the system produces corresponding notes, turning a standard flexion routine into a lightweight “music task” that is easier to start and more rewarding to repeat. An Arduino-based controller reads multiple flex sensors to capture angle-related resistance changes and uses calibrated thresholds that correspond to specific bending angles to drive an MP3 module to play pre-prepared notes.

The rehabilitation function is made explicit through visualization. A 0.96-inch OLED screen provides real-time feedback on the bending angle of each finger, helping users stay engaged and perform exercises more accurately at home. Together, music feedback and angle visualization create immediate reinforcement: users hear and see what their hand is doing in the moment, which supports motivation and reduces the mental burden of “counting reps” without meaningful feedback.

The structure is designed around ergonomic fit so it can adapt comfortably to the user’s hand shape and finger length, while protective detailing around sensor conversion sections and careful spatial layout help keep readings stable during repeated motion. In line with the design brief, the focus is simultaneously on comfort in wearing and on accurate, efficient execution of the rehabilitation function. RehabFlex was developed as a working prototype through enclosure modeling, 3D-print inspection, assembly, code upload and debugging, followed by test-and-adjust cycles that included patient-facing trials to refine fit and interaction details. Materials are chosen for flexibility and durability to withstand repetitive movements, and the interface prioritizes usability so patients can start a session with minimal setup. By combining comprehensive rehabilitation visualization with gamified sound feedback, RehabFlex reframes therapy as a daily, achievable habit.