Design of a force sensor to evaluate the grasping reflex

Grasping phenomena are abnormal motor behaviours described after cerebral l esions. They are defined as a stereotyped response, consisting of a progres sive forced closure of the patient's hand on the examiner's fingers, when t hey are slowly moved exerting a strong pressure across the palm in an upwar d direction. Several types are described. The aim of the study was to devel op a force sensor to evaluate the force of grasping in accordance with the force of dragging. The characteristics of this force sensor are presented a nd the clinical application in two selected patients demonstrated. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.