The3D Prosthetics
The3D Prosthetics
The3D prosthetic refers to a group of assistive devices that aremanufactured using the three-dimension technology. The 3D prostheticdevices increase the functionality of the human body since thesedevices have parts that mimic the original body organs in terms ofshape and movement. Electric motors represent human muscles, steelcables act in the place of tendons, the plastic parts act as bones,and the rubber coats play the role of skin (Gibbard, 2013).
The3D prosthetics are operated by electronics that give then a naturalmovement. For example, the 3D upper extremity is controlled byelectronics that give it the capacity to handle objects. The 3D handcan be linked to an existing prosthesis, which is done using astandard connector. The hand read signals from the remaining musclesusing stick-on electrodes (Gibbard, 2013). These signals inform thehand when to close or open the hand.
Theeffectiveness of the 3D prosthetics, especially the 3D upperextremities has been confirmed through research. For example,Reinkensmeyer, Wolbrecht, Chan, Cramer & Chou (2012) compared theeffectiveness of the 3D arms with traditional table tap therapies andfound out that the assistive technology helps patients improvefunctions that had been limited by motor impairment. Most of thefunds spent in research on the 3D prosthetics are donated bydifferent companies, such as Intel (Huchet, 2016). The interventionof made by these companies make these assistive devices affordable tothe people in need.
The3D devices enhance the psychological wellbeing of the clients byrestoring their important functionalities. For example, the happinessthat the patients get after getting their ability to lift objects anddo some daily activities on their own (Andersen, Fallentin, Burdorf,Clausen, Jakobsen & Holtermann, 2014). In addition, the devicesallow users to engage in social activities (such as sports), whichenhance their social well-being.
Inconclusion, the 3D assistive devices increase the functionality ofpatients who have lost parts of their limbs. They are more effectivethan most of the alternative devices, which increase the psychosocialwell-being of the patients.
References
Andersen,L., Fallentin, N., Burdorf, A., Clausen, T., Jakobsen, M., &Holtermann, A. (2014). Patients transfer and assistive devices:Prospective cohort study on the risk for occupational back injuryamong healthcare workers. ScandJournal of Work Environment Health,40 (1), 74-81. Retrieved May 25, 2016, fromhttp://www.sjweh.fi/download.php?abstract_id=3382&file_nro=1
Gibbard,J. (2013). Home welcome. OpenHand Project.Retrieved May 25, 2016, from http://www.openhandproject.org/
Huchet,N. (2016, April 11). The rise of open-source prosthetics.Technologist.Retrieved May 25, 2016, fromhttp://www.technologist.eu/the-rise-of-open-source-prosthetics/
Reinkensmeyer,J., Wolbrecht, T., Chan, V., Cramer, C., & Chou, C. (2012).Comparison of 3D, assist-as-needed robotic arm/hand movement trainingprovided with Pneu-WREX to conventional table top therapy followingchronic stroke. AmericanJournal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,91 (11), 1-16.