Incorporating the Vivistim vagus nerve stimulator into robotic hand exercises offers a powerful synergy for stroke survivors seeking to regain hand function. Vivistim works by delivering mild electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve during rehabilitation tasks, reinforcing neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself. When paired with robotic-assisted hand devices, which provide consistent, repetitive movement to the affected limb, the brain receives both physical and neurological cues to strengthen motor pathways. This combination can enhance motor relearning by pairing movement with well-timed stimulation, especially during task-specific exercises like grasping or releasing.
The precision and timing of vagus nerve stimulation are critical, and robotic hand devices help ensure consistent movement patterns, making it easier to align stimulation with successful or attempted motor activity. For instance, when a robotic hand assist device detects the initiation of a grip or release attempt, it can be synced with a Vivistim-triggered pulse, reinforcing that specific movement in the brain. Over time, this coordination can help improve the survivor’s ability to initiate and control hand movements without the device by solidifying the neural connections involved in those tasks.
However, Vivistim is not required to achieve gains from robotic hand exercises. Many stroke survivors experience meaningful improvements in hand function through intensive, repetitive robotic therapy alone. The key is to do as many repetitions as possible, as high repetition is essential for driving neuroplastic change. Robotic devices enable this level of intensity by supporting sustained, task-oriented movement practice. While Vivistim can amplify these effects by enhancing the brain’s responsiveness, robotic hand training remains a powerful stand-alone approach for promoting motor recovery after stroke. Again, the key is to do as many repetitions as possible without getting hurt.
Since I have been fortunate enough to obtain a Vivistim device, I am going to use it in conjunction with an MZU Robotic glove, which can be purchased here for $98.26. Although there are gloves that are more expensive, they are pretty much the same, except for a heated glove feature not offered in the unit I will use. The reason I chose the unit I did is that the one I tried that was heated had a glove that was extremely difficult to put on, even with the help of my wife, Mary.
If anyone would like more info on the Vivistim to see if it would be appropriate for you, go to Vivistim’s website here.
Also, if anyone gets a robotic glove, let me know how it is working for you. Send a message on the contact page.
Remember to check with your O T first to make sure the glove will be beneficial to you.
Don’t forget Father’s Day for the guy who’s working hard to get better for you!