The present invention relates to an orthotic glove intended to be worn by a human hand and be used for assisting or controlling movement of one or more fingers of the hand, the thumb, and/or the wrist in response to an input signal and methods related thereto. The finger is animated by the shape recovery of a shape memory alloy wire. The invention further relates to a microprocessor-controlled, electromechanical hand orthosis to provide functional use of a hand.