Improving the upper limb function and acquired eating movements of a stroke patient with severe sensory impairment through a 3D printer self-help device: A case study

Abstract

We oversaw a patient with cerebral infarction in the convalescent period whose use of the paralyzed hand was infrequent in daily life due to sensory impairment. A compensatory model was used to provide a 3D printer-made eating utensil for the patient study. The patient's needs for a self-help device were confirmed, and the device was customized to meet the patient's individual needs. The results showed that, although there was no change in sensory impairment, the patient was able to eat with the paralyzed hand immediately after the application of the self-help device, and some upper limb functions were improved beyond the minimum clinically meaningful change in a short period of time. These results suggest that utilizing a 3D printer-adapted self-help device as a compensatory model was useful for both acquiring meaningful activities, such as eating, and improving upper limb function, while utilizing the case's remaining abilities.