Effects of 3D Printing Writing Assisitive Device on Feasibility in Patients With Nerve Injury
Condition: Nerve Injury
MeSH terms: Wounds and Injuries
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      Injury to the central or peripheral nerves can lead to limited hand function and further
      affect the ability of writing. The use of assistive devices can assist writing performance.
      However, the habit of holding the pen and the ability of the individual case will affect the
      selection of aids and the efficiency of writing. The 3D printing aids can be individually
      designed and adjusted to different angles and types. There is no criterion for 3D printing
      aids decision, often using a case-by-case trial subjective way to confirm, matching takes
      more time. Aim: To compare the applicability and efficiency of different types of 3D-printed
      writing aids in nerve injury cases, and to explore which factors affect the choice of aids.
    

Detailed description: 
      Background: Injury to the central or peripheral nerves can lead to limited hand function and
      further affect the ability of writing. The use of assistive devices can assist writing
      performance. However, the habit of holding the pen and the ability of the individual case
      will affect the selection of aids and the efficiency of writing. The 3D printing aids can be
      individually designed and adjusted to different angles and types. There is no criterion for
      3D printing aids decision, often using a case-by-case trial subjective way to confirm,
      matching takes more time. Aim: To compare the applicability and efficiency of different types
      of 3D-printed writing aids in nerve injury cases, and to explore which factors affect the
      choice of aids.

      Methods: Thirty subjects were recruited from outpatient rehabilitation of neurologically
      injured patients with limited hand function. Their basic information was recorded, including
      basic abilities, palm and finger size, and pen-holding posture, etc. Using three different
      angles of 3D printing writing aids, the writing efficiency and the satisfaction of the aids
      are evaluated by the writing task and the Satisfaction with Assistive Technology. Collected
      data were analyzed by SPSS (Version 20.0). The significance level of the statistical value is
      set at 0.05. The basic data and evaluation items of the subjects are observed by descriptive
      statistical analysis. All the analyzed values will be presented in the form of mean ±
      standard deviation. The Wilcoxon test is used to compare before and after the use of
      assistive devices. Data between different aids were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance
      (ANOVA) with Bonferroni adjustment; basic data and aids choice were analyzed by Pearson's
      Chi-Square correlation analysis; liner regression was used, and Backward regression was used
      to confirm whether the variable was removed (p>0.1), and univariate analyses in a general
      linear manner were used to analyze whether the independent variables of the basic data
      affected the choice of assistive devices.
    

Intervention name(s): 3D-printed writing aids task
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Briefly explain how to wear assistive devices, confirm that the case understands how to operate, and conduct a writing task test. Situation includes no wearable assistive device,three pen placement designs with different angles (5 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees). Record the writing speed, legibility, posture, and satisfaction of the assistive device after each writing task, etc.
Observational model: Case-Crossover
Time perspective: Prospective
Sampling method: Probability Sample
Study population: 
        In cases of central or peripheral nerve injury, symptoms such as sensory paralysis, limited
        joint mobility, insufficient muscle strength, abnormal tension, unsmooth movements, and
        lack of segmental movement control may result, affecting the voluntary control of muscles,
        and showing weak and inaccurate movements. , slowing down, affecting their hand
        performance, which in turn affects writing tasks