This study reports on the development of a customized transradial mechanical prosthesis for an infant patient with bilateral transradial amputation, with a design process based on an interdisciplinary project combining the areas of product design, rehabilitation, rapid prototyping and ergonomics. The design process started with the clinical assessment of the patient characteristics, functional abilities and needs, as well as interviews for exploring patient's preferences and interests. Next, a first version of the 3D prosthesis was designed and prototyped and later tested with the patient. From this first test, a second design process was started, aiming to solve the problems and improve the prosthesis hand function. A second test was then carried out with the user, revealing that the second prototype provided a more appropriate and comfortable coupling with the limb, an easy activation of the hand prehension by flexing the elbow and, finally, met the child's preferences and expectations. It was possible to manufacture tailor-made, customized and personalized parts according to the users' preferences, in a faster and more precise way than the conventional method, making them more suitable for the development of prostheses for each patient, which must be custom fabricated.

Rapid prototyping and 3D printing technologies have been innovative options for orthotic development, that are assistive devices applied to any part of the body to different disabilities or injuries. The aim of the study was to investigate scientific evidence about the effectiveness of using 3D printed orthoses in relation to conventional orthoses, through a systematic literature review in the years 2010 to 2020. Scientific evidence identifies that there are improvements associated with the development and use of rapid prototyped and 3D printed orthoses however the publications found present were small in sample sizes and lack comprehensive end-use evaluation.

This study reports on experiences with a user centered design approach for the development of a customized mechanical transradial prosthesis for a patient who were unable to adapt to a standard prosthesis. The development process explored the needs, preferences and expectations of the user, as well as physical and functional aspects. The production process was based on 3D printing technologies, with emphasis on originality and customization. During the design process, the user participated in the design and evaluation phases through practical handling tests. The results indicated that the participation of the user in the design process using a user-centered design approach lead to a customized product that matched the user's preferences. This acceptance and satisfaction with the product help minimize the risk of product abandonment.

In low-GDP countries, such as Brazil, many older people and people with disabilities rely on the public health system for access to assistive devices, which are important to support them to live healthy and dignified lives. However, many problems limit their access to specialized prescriptions and appropriate devices that satisfy their needs and expectations. This paper explores the challenges, contributions and results from an interdisciplinary collaboration between two different yet related areas of knowledge-Product Design and Rehabilitationin education, research and innovation in assistive technologies. The combination of product design education and rehabilitation services has mutual benefits from the perspective of research and innovation, thus contributing for the community. Here, we report on the process and benefits resulting from four years of interdisciplinary collaboration on assistive products for the aging population and people with disabilities.

Resumo Introdução O conhecimento sobre tecnologia assistiva relaciona-se aos aspectos do domínio da terapia ocupacional, assim, interroga-se se tal conhecimento tem sido abordado nos cursos de graduação. Objetivos Identificar os cursos de graduação em terapia ocupacional no estado de São Paulo que ofertam discipinas referentes à tecnologia assistiva, identificar as disciplinas, suas respectivas cargas horárias e o conteúdo presente em cada uma delas. Método A amostra foi composta por oito universidades, cinco públicas e três privadas. A busca foi feita nas matrizes curriculares, planos de ensino de disciplinas específicas e não específicas, objetivos e conteúdos disponibilizados on-line ou solicitados ao coordenador de curso. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados. Resultados Constatou-se a oferta do conteúdo de tecnologia assistiva nas universidades investigadas, com diferença entre a carga horária e o conteúdo ofertado. A análise por área de aplicação da tecnologia assistiva evidenciou que o conteúdo sobre órteses é oferecido em 100% dos cursos analisados, seguido de produtos assistivos para o desempenho de atividades cotidianas e de prótese, ambos conteúdos encontrados em 75% dos cursos; equipamentos para mobilidade; acessibilidade e desenho universal em 62,5%; comunicação alternativa em 50% dos cursos. Conclusão Os resultados apontam a relevância de uma maior homogeneidade de conteúdo entre as universidades investigadas e sugerem que este estudo tem potencial para fomentar discussões sobre a formação do terapauta ocupacional na área da tecnologia assistiva, uma vez que os resultados advêm da análise dos cursos de graduação localizados no estado que possui o maior número de cursos de terapia ocupacional no Brasil.