The effect of 3D printed assistive technology intervention on the older adults’ independence in activities of daily living: A single-group intervention study

There is need for innovative approaches in the production of assistive devices. This study aimed to examine the effects of a Three-Dimensional (3D) Printed Assistive Technology Intervention. Twelve older adults (mean age of 67.83 ± 2.72 years) participated in the study. Assistive devices were designed using a 3D printer. The participants completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and the Lawton-Brody IADL scale. Also they completed the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to evaluate their satisfaction with the 3D printed assistive device. The participants' mean satisfaction score with the assistive devices was found to be 7.00 ± 1.12. After the intervention, significant improvements were observed in the COPM performance subscale (<i>p</i> = 0.016), the FIM motor subscale (<i>p</i> = 0.012), the FIM total score (<i>p</i> = 0.018), and the Lawton-Brody IADL Index (<i>p</i> = 0.024). However, no significant changes were detected in the COPM satisfaction subscale (<i>p</i> = 0.094) or the FIM cognitive subscale (<i>p</i> = 0.069). This study suggest that economically feasible and easily accessible 3D printed assistive devices may serve as an effective alternative to enhance the occupational performance and independence of older adults.