Development and evaluation of low-cost custom splint for spastic hand by additive manufacturing

Abstract

Spastic hand is a health condition that may decrease the functional capabilities of an individual. In such cases it may be indicated orthosis as a therapeutic resource. Such devices can be manufactured by digital processes, helping to mitigate many problems encountered in traditional orthotic processes and could increase user participation in product development. In this context this paper presents the development of a custom orthosis produced by Additive Manufacturing with a focus on low-cost solutions. The orthosis resulting from this development was evaluated by the user, the family and therapists using a Semantic Differential tool. This evaluation has shown that user participation in the development of the formal and aesthetic solutions can increase engagement in device usage, collaborating with the therapeutic process.