THERMEISTER: A Controlled Heating Compression Glove for Arthritis
Course Instructor
Jeff Burmeister
Abstract
Arthritis and poor circulation are common conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the hands, significantly affecting daily activities. Although heat therapy is widely used to alleviate these symptoms, existing solutions such as heating pads and compression gloves lack portability, precise control, and targeted heat delivery. To address these limitations, this project presents THERMEISTER, an app-controlled heating compression glove designed to provide localized and adjustable heat therapy.
The system integrates flexible conductive heating threads within a flame-resistant fabric layered between two compression gloves. Using a Bluetooth-enabled microcontroller (Arduino Nano ESP32), a mobile app allows users to select specific regions of the hand, adjust heating levels, set timers, and monitor temperature in real-time. Safety features, including thermistor-based feedback and an automatic shutoff mechanism, are implemented to prevent overheating.
The prototype successfully demonstrated independent zone control, wireless operation, and measurable heat generation at targeted areas. THERMEISTER demonstrates the feasibility of combining wearable electronics with therapeutic heat delivery, offering a more personalized, smart, and effective approach to arthritis management.
This system operates within a therapeutic temperature range of 95°F to 105°F to increase blood flow and joint flexibility. A rechargeable lithium-polymer battery increases portability. Compared to existing solutions that only provide passive heat or compression, this prototype integrates both functionalities with real-time user control. Overall, this project highlights the potential of smart wearable biomedical devices to improve pain management and enhance quality of life.
THERMEISTER: A Controlled Heating Compression Glove for Arthritis
Arthritis and poor circulation are common conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the hands, significantly affecting daily activities. Although heat therapy is widely used to alleviate these symptoms, existing solutions such as heating pads and compression gloves lack portability, precise control, and targeted heat delivery. To address these limitations, this project presents THERMEISTER, an app-controlled heating compression glove designed to provide localized and adjustable heat therapy.
The system integrates flexible conductive heating threads within a flame-resistant fabric layered between two compression gloves. Using a Bluetooth-enabled microcontroller (Arduino Nano ESP32), a mobile app allows users to select specific regions of the hand, adjust heating levels, set timers, and monitor temperature in real-time. Safety features, including thermistor-based feedback and an automatic shutoff mechanism, are implemented to prevent overheating.
The prototype successfully demonstrated independent zone control, wireless operation, and measurable heat generation at targeted areas. THERMEISTER demonstrates the feasibility of combining wearable electronics with therapeutic heat delivery, offering a more personalized, smart, and effective approach to arthritis management.
This system operates within a therapeutic temperature range of 95°F to 105°F to increase blood flow and joint flexibility. A rechargeable lithium-polymer battery increases portability. Compared to existing solutions that only provide passive heat or compression, this prototype integrates both functionalities with real-time user control. Overall, this project highlights the potential of smart wearable biomedical devices to improve pain management and enhance quality of life.
