Abstract: Dexterity device for monitoring, diagnosing, and training a person's dexterity, comprising first and second end parts connected together by a compression means. During use the device is held between one or many fingers being in contact with the end parts, and the end parts are then pressed towards each other resulting in a compression of the compression means. The device further comprises sensor means arranged at one or both end parts at the surfaces intended to be in contact with the fingers during use of the device. The sensor means is adapted to sense and measure the forces applied to the end parts and/or the motions of the end parts, wherein the sensor means is adapted to generate sensor signals in dependence of measured forces and/or motions. The sensor signals are applied to a processing unit for monitoring, diagnosing or training purposes based upon said sensor signals.

Abstract: A hand-held compressible and expandable device is used to develop and measure the persons grasping strength and grasping dexterity. The device in preferably compressed and/or expanded by the user's digits. Preferably, the device is both compressible and flexible so that the user must provide a linearly or controlled force to compress the device successfully. In one embodiment, the device has a spring that is both compressible and flexible. One end of the spring has a finger pad and at the other end a thumb pad. The ability of the user to compress the spring between the finger and the thumb gauges the users grasping strength, while the ability of the user to compress the spring in a linear fashion provides a measure of the user's dexterity. The device also can be configured to automatically count the number of successful and/or unsuccessful compressions mechanically, optically or electrically.