Rehabilitation System for Muscle Atrophy of the Hand Due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Evaluation of Patients and Therapists

In the field of rehabilitation exoskeletons, meeting the requirements of all stakeholders involved in the development of innovative medical technologies is essential. This study presents the validation of a proposed device for the rehabilitation of muscle atrophy caused by rheumatoid arthritis, emphasizing the importance of prototype validation in industrial design. Ensuring compliance with functional, ergonomic, and usability criteria is crucial before implementation, as it enhances effectiveness and user experience. The co-design process, involving patients and therapists, plays a key role in optimizing adaptability, ensuring that the device meets real user needs. Through an iterative design approach, feedback from end users contributes to refining the system, improving usability, and increasing acceptance in clinical practice. The findings reveal patients' perceptions regarding the impact on their condition and ease of use, while therapists provide insights into its potential integration into traditional rehabilitation protocols. These results highlight the significance of user-centered validation, reinforcing the role of rehabilitation technologies in complementing conventional therapeutic approaches and advancing patient-centered innovation in industrial and biomedical design.