The characteristics of the force transducers (range 0-100 N) were: inter-axis crosstalk < 4% non-linearity < +/- 0.4% f.s. Effectively integrated with a visual feedback tool, it could be exploited in delivering and monitoring custom-designed rehabilitation programmes. The instrumental set is suitable for both biomechanical research and clinical applications. More generally, it is meant for the functional evaluation of the normal hand in different postures, but it also provides reliable measurements of the injured or deformed hand. A set of general-purpose, instrumental measuring devices has been designed and constructed at the authors' laboratory to measure and monitor the force each finger exerts separately, under isometric conditions, during pressing tasks. The thumb function, although extremely important for the performance of most daily activities involving the hand, has scarcely been documented. Most studies have focused on the four, long fingers.
Hand motor deficits have been widely investigated, and several devices have been proposed for the selective and accurate study of specific hand motor tasks.
