3D-printed upper limb prostheses: study of factors influencing functionality and usability in handgrip activities.

Abstract

Orthopaedic prostheses are assistive technology devices that replace all or part of a limb, aiming to promote functionality, autonomy and social inclusion to people who use them. However, most conventional upper limb prostheses are heavy, difficult to control, poorly functional and uncomfortable, which contributes to a high rate of abandonment of these devices. In recent years, 3D printing has been used in the field of assistive technology because it enables the production of customized products that better meet the needs and preferences of the user, providing better acceptance and satisfaction to the user. Despite the increase in studies related to the use of 3D printing in upper limb prostheses, there is still an information gap related to the usability and functionality of these devices. The present project aims at research and development focused on the evaluation of the functionality of the models of upper limb prostheses produced by 3D printing currently available, through the verification of the factors that determine the best performance and usability in the manual grip of objects of daily use of bench test and evaluation with users.