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Pilot feasibility study of implementing 3D-printed assistive devices through user-provider collaboration in
Ken Kondo1, Takuya Ishimori2, Naoto Noguchi3
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Gunma Paz University, Gunma, Japan.
Abstract:
Objective: This pilot study explored the feasibility of implementing 3D-printed assistive devices in a hospital-based stroke rehabilitation setting. Methods: Feasibility was evaluated across four domains: acceptability, demand, implementation, and limited efficacy testing. Data were collected from both users and providers. Stroke survivors in the intervention group (n = 15) received a 3D-printed assistive technology intervention emphasising user-centered design and user-provider collaboration. Historical controls (n = 31) receiving usual care were identified from medical records. Propensity score matching generated nine matched pairs for comparison. User outcomes included the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Vitality Index (VI), while occupational therapists' perspectives (n = 10) as providers were assessed using the Japanese version of the modified Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire for 3D-printing technology (TAM-J). Results: Good acceptability was demonstrated, as all stroke survivors in the intervention group consistently used 3D-printed assistive devices in daily activities, and occupational therapists reported positive technology acceptance on the TAM-J. Strong demand was observed among stroke survivors with moderate to severe upper-extremity impairment. Regarding implementation, there were no dropouts, and user-centered devices were adopted through user-provider collaboration. In limited efficacy testing, no additional improvements in the FIM and VI scores were observed compared with controls. However, the intervention helped stroke survivors address their daily challenges. Conclusion: These findings suggested that integrating 3D-printed assistive devices into clinical workflows could be feasible. Future research needs to employ sensitive, user-centered outcome measures and collaborate with designers or rehabilitation engineers to improve the efficiency and quality of device development.
