Effects of 3D-printed assistive device on daily life function in patients with neurological impairment: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the effects of customized 3D-printed assistive technology (AT) on functional performance and feasibility in patients with neurological impairment.

Methods

Patients with neurological impairment were recruited and randomized into customized 3D-printed assistive device group (group 1; n = 17) or standard device group (group 2; n = 14). The device was designed to assist their writing, spoon using, and typing. Each patient underwent 4-week intervention with the device (30 min per session, twice a week).

Results

We observed significant differences in shoulder abduction (p = .00), external rotation (p = .01), and internal rotation (p = .02) in group 1. And significant differences in abduction (p = .05) and external rotation (p = .05) between the 2 groups. Group 1 achieved significant improvements in writing without AT (p = .04) and with AT (p = .02), spoon use without AT (p = .02) and with AT (p = .03), and hemiplegia-side typing with AT (p = .00). Group 2 achieved significant improvements in writing without AT (p = .01), hemiplegia-side typing without AT (p = .01), and bil-side typing with AT (P = .05). Moreover, no significant differences were noted in other outcome measures.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that customized 3D-printed AT can improve shoulder active motion for patients with neurological impairment. A positive effect in functional hand tasks after AT intervention. Offering customized AT with specific training could enhance the efficacy of interventions. The feasibility of using 3D printing technology to produce customized AT, which has the potential to be cost-effective and efficient.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• 3D-printed assistive device incorporating a splint can improve shoulder active motion compared to conventional assistive device for patients with neurological impairment.

• A positive effect in functional hand tasks after assistive device intervention.

Keywords:

• Neural injury
• 3D printing
• assistive technology
• hand function

Acknowledgements

The authors express their gratitude to their colleagues from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, who provided insights and expertise that greatly contributed to this study. The authors express their gratitude to Wallace Academic Editing for editing the manuscript.

Author contributions

Hsin-Chieh Lee and Fen-Ling Kuo conceived the study, conducted the experiment, verified the analytical methods, and wrote the manuscript. Yi-Shien Wu, Tien-Yu Kuo, and Yi-Shan Lee assisted with the measurements in the study. Hsin-Chieh Lee and Shih-Wei Huang supervised the findings and contributed equally to this study. All authors have contributed to, read, and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data supporting this study are openly available from Figshare at 10.6084/m9.figshare.22002173.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital under Grant [numbers 111 HHC-10].