The Mudra-Band is a wearable remote-gesture-control device originally developed for robotic applications, integrating Bluetooth and gyroscopic tablet connectivity. We adapted its grip-force sensing capabilities to explore cognitive-motor processes in finger rehabilitation and cognitive strategy assessment.

Our study employed a modified digital version of the Towers of Hanoi task to investigate how individuals regulate fine motor control under cognitive constraints. Participants used minimal two-finger grip-force to lift and move rings of varying size and colour across three poles, guided by a cursor. Excessive force triggered a simulated “crash”, reinforcing the need for controlled motor execution. A key experimental manipulation involved comparing performance across two conditions: (1) rings differentiated by size (Bottom-Up processing), and (2) rings of identical size differentiated only by color (Top-Down processing).

The Mudra system recorded detailed performance metrics including grip-force dynamics, timing, and error events. Behavioural observations captured strategy use and error types. Preliminary results revealed individual variability in reliance on Top-Down versus Bottom-Up processing, suggesting differences in cognitive control and perceptual integration.

We propose that this paradigm offers a novel method for assessing cognitive-motor integration, particularly in populations with brain injury or motor-impairment. In rehabilitation contexts, patients often lose automatic grip-force regulation and must rely on conscious Top-Down control. Our findings suggest that training which transitions from Top-Down to Bottom-Up control may support recovery of automatic motor function.

Future work will examine correlations between task performance and cognitive abilities such as mental rotation and figure-ground discrimination, contributing to a deeper understanding of embodied cognition and neurorehabilitation.