Design and Construction of a Hand Rehabilitation Prototype and Development of Web and Mobile Interface Proposals for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Oscar Gabriel Vizcaino Monroy; Pablo Velarde Alvarado; Perla Aguilar Navarrete; Luis Anibal López Arciniega

doi:10.67294/9tpmgw86

Authors

Oscar Gabriel Vizcaino Monroy Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0587-0008
Pablo Velarde Alvarado Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1211-1061
Perla Aguilar Navarrete Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9271-8102
Luis Anibal López Arciniega Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.67294/9tpmgw86

Keywords:

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hand Rehabilitation, Functional Prototype, Digital Interfaces, Telemonitoring

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis frequently compromises hand function and calls for rehabilitation alternatives that can be adapted, configured, and monitored. This article presents the design and construction of a physical hand rehabilitation prototype, together with the development of web and mobile proposals to organize treatment and clinical follow-up. The final configuration integrated an Arduino Mega 2560, five MG995 servomotors—one per finger—four TEC1-12709 thermoelectric modules, two submersible micropumps, two RS-360SH pumps, a DS18B20 sensor, local controls, a display, and Bluetooth communication. Preliminary laboratory functional tests were used to assess integration and led to four improvements: replacement of 3D-printed rings with adjustable hook-and-loop fasteners; expansion from two to four Peltier modules with heat sinks and fans; adoption of four pumps in the final configuration; and incorporation of temperature sensing and springs for bidirectional movement. The mobile proposal was structured into interface modules for registration, therapies, medications, appointments, settings, and device connectivity; the web proposal included patient records, consultations, files, scheduling, notifications, statistics, and the transmission of appointments and treatments. The available performance data were qualitative; therefore, the numerical specifications included are identified as nominal component values rather than system measurements. The principal contribution is an integrated mechatronic and digital architecture documented as an engineering outcome rather than evidence of clinical efficacy.

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