A parametric 3D printed assistive device for people with cerebral palsy - assessment of outcomes and comparison with a commercial counterpart

This paper presents the use of a parametric design platform and 3D printing to create personalized assistive devices (ADs) for individuals with cerebral palsy, specifically a fork/spoon holder. Five subjects participated in the study, each receiving a customized device to fit their dominant hand, and they tested both the 3D printed device and a commercially available one. The devices were evaluated based on functionality and satisfaction using two standard clinical questionnaires (IPPA and QUEST 2.0). The results showed that neither the 3D printed nor the commercial device provided substantial benefits, but the questionnaires provided valuable feedback on areas for improvement. The study highlights the need for highly personalized solutions in ADs, which could be addressed by 3D printing. A configurator for generating production files from a parametric model could facilitate personalization, but a large number of model versions should be available to meet individual needs. Future research could explore clinical evaluations and guide the development of efficient and effective frameworks for digital fabrication in terms of clinically feasible AD model sourcing. Implication for rehabilitation* 3D printing can be a method of creating assistive devices with dimensions fitting the user.* Standard questionnaires for measuring the effectiveness and satisfaction may efficiently identify shortcomings and suggest improvements.* Each person may have individual requirements, which calls for a large database of solutions in order to meet the person's needs.