An evaluation of 3D printable elastics for post stroke dynamic hand bracing: a pilot study.
Justin Huber, Stacey Slone, Babak Bazrgari
PMID 36780423WHAT IT FOUND
Five stroke survivors rated a 3D-printed dynamic hand brace similarly to a commercial brace.
However, some prototype braces reduced pinch force, and prototype and commercial braces reduced block transfers.
Key findings
01The prototype braces and the commercial brace received similar usability ratings, with no significant differences in any category.
02Some prototype brace conditions significantly reduced maximum pincer force compared with no brace, and greater material stiffness was associated with lower pincer force.
03Compared with no brace, certain prototype braces and the commercial brace significantly reduced box-and-block score, while prototype braces were less detrimental than the commercial brace.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
Only five participants were studied, so the findings cannot show what would happen in a larger stroke population. The analysis did not correct for multiple comparisons, which the authors noted because the study was preliminary. There was no long-term follow-up, so device acceptance, safety, and clinical effects over time were not measured. The pincer aperture test had a ceiling effect, and only one participant showed substantial variability. Observers could miss alternative grasps such as lateral pinch or tripod pinch, which may have affected force and aperture results. Prototype parts came from different printing bureaus, and vendor quality control may have changed material properties even when shapes were intended to be the same. The study measured participants' views but not clinicians, caregivers, or insurers.
Declared interests
No competing interests are stated in the supplied text. The article is tagged as supported by N.I.H. extramural and non-U.S. government research support.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the similar usability ratings as proof that 3D-printed braces improve hand function. This was a 5-person pilot, and several brace conditions reduced pinch force or block transfers.