Design and development of a pool and billiards assistive device for the physically challenged

This research entailed the development and prototyping of a bespoke assistive device for a subject who was a local pool and billiards championship player. The subject was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had to undergo surgery followed by chemotherapy to completely remove the mass in the brain. Following this, there was some loss in motor skills on the right side of his body affecting his gait and grip on objects and his ability to play pool and billiards. Concepts were developed to enable the subject to regain some form. A final design was made, with subsequent alterations for fit and comfort. Testing was done over a 7-day period and results using aid were compared without using any aid over a similar period. There was an 88% decrease in time taken to execute the shot, a 140% increase in strength of shot and a 75% increase in accuracy. The results suggest greater improvement in these performance characteristics with extended use of the device. The device also serves to improve the quality of life of the subject. Implications for Rehabilitation A subject lost some physical ability following the removal of a brain tumor. A bespoke design was found to significantly enhance the performance of the subject in pool and billiards, a game that the subject loved to play before loss of the physical ability. Of increasing importance to those that have lost physical ability is the aim to restore quality of life similar to before the loss of the physical ability, especially with respect to activities that a subject would have been motivated to do due to intrinsic love/interest of the activity.