Stroke is a pervasive ailment within our society, constituting a significant health concern. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), it stands as the second leading cause of death worldwide, claiming nearly six million lives in 2016, representing approximately 30% of the annual stroke incidence. Effective rehabilitation for individuals affected by this condition is imperative to mitigate its debilitating effects, including the onset of paresis. While numerous rehabilitation robots are available on the market, electrostimulation presents another viable method.

The incorporation of tactile sensations and textile design holds promise in advancing stroke patient rehabilitation. This integration not only enriches the perceptual experience of medical tools but also revolutionizes the perception of rehabilitation itself. Consequently, collaboration between occupational therapists and designers can yield innovative solutions, fostering meaningful interaction between users, including patients and occupational therapists.

To facilitate this collaborative process, co-design workshops were convened, engaging occupational therapists alongside a team of designers to conceptualize a toolkit prototype. Preliminary findings suggest that the integration of designed textiles can enhance functional (task-oriented), cognitive, and leisure aspects of rehabilitation. Incorporating challenging games into the toolkit demonstrates potential in enhancing patient concentration and focus, while activities like diagonal weaving offer therapeutic benefits for hand muscles, promoting enjoyment and skill development.

The future trajectory of this research involves expanding testing to include diverse user groups and exploring additional intermediate patterns to support cognitive tasks and physical dexterity. This iterative approach aims to continually refine rehabilitation practices, offering tailored solutions to meet the multifaceted needs of stroke patients and enhance their quality of life.