Stroke Device FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions by Clinicians and Researchers

What is a “Hand Mentor™”?
The Hand Mentor™ is the first Active Repetitive Motion™ stroke device designed for in-home and clinical use.  The Hand Mentor™ actively involves the patient in their rehabilitation by encouraging self-powered motion of the wrist and fingers, and assisting movement when necessary.

What is a “Foot Mentor™”?
Much like The Hand Mentor™ the The Foot Mentor™ is a device designed to provide therapy by repetitively training foot and ankle control.

Why are they called the “Mentor”?
These stroke devices provide instructions and assistance.  They encourage and challenge the patient to achieve, surpass and increase their goals.  They record and report progress during therapy.   The Mentor™ products will not do the work for the patient, but they will work with them to achieve goals. 

How do they work?
The Mentor™ devices provide 3 types of visual feedback: force, position and EMG (electrical activity of the muscle).  An “air muscle” pulls the linkage mechanism, assisting the patient with desired movement, when they are not able to move their wrist or fingers on their own. 

What is an “air muscle”?
It is a soft and springy air driven actuator that pulls a linkage system that raises the hand and wrist in a fluid motion.  Because of the soft springy muscle-like properties of the “air muscle,” it is safer than a motor and gear driven apparatus.

Who can benefit from using the Mentor™ devices?
Stroke and other brain-injured patients of varying degrees of ability can benefit from the stroke devices.  A patient with high tone or spasticity can increase their passive range of motion using our spasticity reduction program.  Patients with some movement capabilities can improve active range of motion with the motor control and active recruitment programs.

For more information about Kinetic Muscles’ stroke devices, how we can help, scientific background, clinical trials and more, contact us.