Development of a novel 4D-printed customized hand orthosis

Abstract: 3D printing is widely used for the production of personalized, individualized orthoses. However, they cannot be adjusted after manufacturing to support the entire rehabilitation process, such as in the treatment of cerebral palsy. This treatment process is a step-by-step process that needs different adjustments for the spastic hand, whereas meeting these requirements using conventional methods or complicated mechanisms is expensive, less flexible, time-consuming, and less practical. In this research, a comprehensive investigation was conducted to additive manufacturing of the shape memory polymer hand orthosis via digital light processing (DLP). Benefiting from 4D printing's shape memory effects, adjustable through various actuating and programming parameters, fabricated orthoses could become a strong alternative treatment for cerebral palsy.