肢體障礙者穿著3D列印踝足支架之個別化設計與功能表現－單一受試

Individualized Design to the Physically Disabilities of 3D Printing Ankle-Foot Orthosis for Functional Performances-Case Report

肢體障礙者因為生理障礙，在就學、就業和就養受到限制，需使用輔具改善。本研究目的在建立3D列印技術製作踝足支架之個別化設計發展，探討肢體障礙者穿著3D列印踝足支架之功能表現。本研究採單一受試法交替處理設計，以一名肢體障礙成人，探討「肢體障礙者」穿著「3D列印踝足支架」的「下肢功能表現」及探討3D列印是否能個別化製作踝足支架並建立流程。透過3D掃描器和桌上型3D列印機製作個別化的踝足支架；進行一週三次，共九週評量。包含「5公尺行走速度」和「柏格氏平衡量表」。「柏格氏平衡量表」之觀察者間一致性信度為90.47％。結論：（1）3D列印技術能應用於個別化設計踝足支架，以提供輔具製作的新途徑；（2）肢體障礙者穿著3D列印踝足支架可以提升行走速度，協助改變習慣性代償姿勢以改善步態；（3）可提升平衡能力，具有良好的立即與維持效果。
Assistive technology was applied to overcome the limitations of education, employment and homecare in physical disabilities. This study established individualized design and development of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) by 3D printing technology (3DPT), and then investigated the functional performances of physical disabilities. Based on an alternating treatment design of single-subject research, the subject is an adult with physical disabilities. The study explored the functional performances of the lower extremities when 3D printing AFO is worn, and discussed whether 3DPT can be an individualized AFO and whether or not an AFO-making procedure can be set up . A of the literature\ shows that the major gross motor problems for many physical disabilities is lower gait speed and impaired balance ability. AFO can significantly increase and improve the function of lower extremities. Implantation of 3DPT in medical industry is rising in recent years, so this study uses a 3D scanner and 3D printer to produce AFO. By using the 'Gait Speed Test (GST)' and 'Berg Balance Scale (BBS)' as assessments, the subject was evaluated two or three times a week, a total of nine weeks. Data analysis was conducted with visual analysis and C statistics. Inter-observer reliability data of the 'Berg Balance Scale (BBS)' is 90.47% (85.71%~100%). The conclusions are: 1. 3D printing technology can be applied to the individualized design and setup procedure of making AFO and can provide a new approach for producing assistive devices. 2. 3D printing AFO can increase walking speed and change habitual compensatory posture, and then improve gait patterns of people with physical disabilities. 3. 3D printing AFO can significantly improve the balance ability of people with physical disabilities with immediate and maintainable effects. 4.The research subject had a positive attitude about the use of 3D printing AFO and would consider using 3D printing AFO and related equipment in the future. Besides the research discussion and result, this study also provides suggestions in production and assessment for other professional researchers on related topics. Therefore, further research is able to take advantage of cross-domain collaboration in the field of assistive technology.

Assistive technology was applied to overcome the limitations of education, employment and homecare in physical disabilities. This study established individualized design and development of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) by 3D printing technology (3DPT), and then investigated the functional performances of physical disabilities. Based on an alternating treatment design of single-subject research, the subject is an adult with physical disabilities. The study explored the functional performances of the lower extremities when 3D printing AFO is worn, and discussed whether 3DPT can be an individualized AFO and whether or not an AFO-making procedure can be set up . A of the literature\ shows that the major gross motor problems for many physical disabilities is lower gait speed and impaired balance ability. AFO can significantly increase and improve the function of lower extremities. Implantation of 3DPT in medical industry is rising in recent years, so this study uses a 3D scanner and 3D printer to produce AFO. By using the 'Gait Speed Test (GST)' and 'Berg Balance Scale (BBS)' as assessments, the subject was evaluated two or three times a week, a total of nine weeks. Data analysis was conducted with visual analysis and C statistics. Inter-observer reliability data of the 'Berg Balance Scale (BBS)' is 90.47% (85.71%~100%). The conclusions are: 1. 3D printing technology can be applied to the individualized design and setup procedure of making AFO and can provide a new approach for producing assistive devices. 2. 3D printing AFO can increase walking speed and change habitual compensatory posture, and then improve gait patterns of people with physical disabilities. 3. 3D printing AFO can significantly improve the balance ability of people with physical disabilities with immediate and maintainable effects. 4.The research subject had a positive attitude about the use of 3D printing AFO and would consider using 3D printing AFO and related equipment in the future. Besides the research discussion and result, this study also provides suggestions in production and assessment for other professional researchers on related topics. Therefore, further research is able to take advantage of cross-domain collaboration in the field of assistive technology.