Submission ID 118455
| Issue/Objective | Neurological conditions, including acquired brain injuries and neurodegenerative conditions, can significantly impact how someone functions. Neurorehabilitation plays a key role in improving motor recovery for these conditions. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a promising rehabilitation tool, but little is known on how it is used for adults living with neurological conditions. We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of how 3D printing is currently used in neurorehabilitation for adults. Precisely, our research question was: "How is 3D printing used to improve motor recovery for adults with neurological conditions in higher and lower-middle-income countries?" |
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| Methodology/Approach | We conducted a scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. After searching three databases, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Nursing and Allied Health Premium, two independent reviewers screened and selected English-language studies involving adults (18+) published between 2020 and 2025 to capture the most recent advancements. We extracted the data using a modified JBI extraction form. We then documented the included neurological conditions and the 3D printing application across different countries by identifying motor recovery outcomes. We synthesized the findings narratively with tabular support. |
| Results | After screening 2,752 titles and abstracts and 103 full-text, we included 13 studies, all conducted in upper-middle-income or high-income countries. Most studies focused on stroke (n=9), followed by spinal cord injury (n=2), Parkinson's disease (n=1), and central nerve disease (n=1). 3D printed tools included orthotics (n=7 UE, n=3 LE), an exoskeleton (n=1, UE), a modular assistive hand device (n=1, UE), and an insole (n=1, LE). Nine studies targeted upper limb rehabilitation measured by the Action Research Arm Test, Active range of motion, Box and Block Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Modified Ashworth Scale, Manual Function Test, Range of motion, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-Hand Function Test; and four lower limb rehabilitation measured by the 10-meter walking test, Anteroposterior Ground Reaction Force Analysis, Barthel Index, Tinetti scale, RehaWatch system, the GaitWatch system. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | 3D printing interventions have demonstrated significant potential in improving upper and lower motor recovery for people with certain neurological conditions. Future research should explore the feasibility and effective implementation of these technologies across different income settings, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Salena Aggerwal University of Ottawa Jennifer O'Neil University of Ottawa Zahra Lalani University of Ottawa |
