Confirmation of Candidature - Co-Development and Evaluation of a 3D Printed Hand Rehabilitation aid (Hand exoskeleton) for Stroke Survivors Experiencing Motor Dysfunction

Stroke is a major cause of disability and mortality in the world and results in hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare costs per year around the globe. The impact of stroke on the community and the healthcare system is projected to increase greatly. This increased stress on the healthcare system will also result in an increased resource demand and more medical waste. Surviving stroke patients often suffer from complications such as muscle weakness, spasticity and hemiparalysis, requiring extensive rehabilitation to regain limb function and quality of life. This therapy often involves the use of Hand Rehabilitation Devices (HRDs). Medical aids such as HRDs are often used in therapy to improve a patient's limb function by improving affected muscles and tonality. While HRDs are already available, the use of emerging technology such as three-dimensional (3D) printing that has the potential to bring improvements to the devices have yet to be researched. These benefits include better customisation to patient's needs and reduced manufacturing costs due to the nature of 3D printers and the ability to utilise recycled materials. Plastics found in medical waste can be repurposed to create these HRDs. A 3D printed HRD made from recycled medical waste such as the one in this proposed research has the potential to reduce the resource demand in the future.

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