Up to 30% of patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries and more than 50% of those who have suffered a stroke lose some hand functions. Insurance companies and government agencies are looking to measure the effectiveness of various treatments for recovering hand functions.

One solution comes from a device that measures joint-bend angles of the fingers and uses sensors taped to the back of a hand so patients can conduct their daily activities. Doctors use information on bend angles at each joint to measure a hand's range of motion. The Shadow Monitor was developed by a medical team lead by research professor Lisa Simone at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark. “The wireless monitoring system lets us track finger posture while subjects move about their homes,” says Simone. “This is more effective than tethering a subject to a computer.” Adhesive tape from MACtac, Hudson, Ohio, (mactac.com), secures the wires and gives patients greater freedom of movement, leading to more accurate data.

“Testing showed the previous adhesive too weak to stay on for a long time.” In addition, the cable connecting sensors to the monitor hung loosely and risked getting snagged. To resolve the issues and prevent possible skin irritation, she turned to the pressure-sensitive-adhesive tape.

The acrylic and hypoallergenic tape uses an adhesive formulated for sustained skin contact. It is also stronger and more durable than other tapes, so it was suitable for extended data-collection sensors outside the clinic.

“MACtac's PSA tape let us record finger posture over a 24-hour period without sacrificing patient comfort. The monitor weighs only about five ounces, so it does not limit patient movements,” says Simone. “This gives us measurements on the patient's progress, and determines if and how they can complete certain household tasks.”