3D Printers for Autonomy in the Care of Inpatients in Continuing and Rehabilitation Care
This study is for people in rehabilitation hospitals, often with conditions affecting their brain like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. Many struggle to eat independently because they find it hard to grip standard cutlery. This can lead to poor nutrition. Researchers are testing custom-made cutlery handles, created using a 3D printer, that are designed to fit each person's grip perfectly. These handles are lightweight and affordable. The aim is to see if these personalised handles help patients eat more on their own, improving their independence and overall health during their recovery. The study will assess how much they eat and how easily they manage over three days.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people are staying in rehabilitation hospitals, especially older individuals coping with conditions that affect their brain, it's common for them to need help with everyday activities. Eating can be one of the biggest challenges. Sometimes, people find it hard to hold regular cutlery properly, which can make eating frustrating and lead to them not eating enough. This study wants to see if a new approach can help.
The idea is to create special, custom-made handles for cutlery using a 3D printer. These handles can be made in different sizes to fit each person's hand perfectly, making them much easier to grip than standard cutlery or even some pre-made adapted cutlery which can be too heavy or not the right size. Because they are 3D-printed, they are also lightweight and affordable. The research team hopes that by making it easier to hold cutlery, people will be able to eat more independently and get better nutrition.
Over a few days, the study will check how much food patients eat and how easily they manage using these new handles. They want to see if these personalised cutlery handles can truly make a difference in helping people regain more independence and improve their well-being during their time in rehabilitation.
Key takeaways
- This study uses 3D-printed custom cutlery handles.
- It aims to help people with brain conditions eat more independently.
- Handles are designed to perfectly fit each person's grip.
- The study measures how much you eat and how easily you manage.
- Participation lasts for a few days, focusing on mealtimes.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you would need to be staying in a hospital unit focused on ongoing care and rehabilitation. You should also have a brain-related condition that affects your thinking and movement, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, but still be able to understand the study and use your hands to eat.
Participants must be 18 years old or older. You would also need some help with eating meals, meaning you can't eat completely on your own without any assistance.
You wouldn't be able to join if you or your family didn't want you to take part, if you couldn't use your hands at all (for example, due to paralysis), or if a court has appointed someone to manage your affairs. Pregnant or breastfeeding women also cannot participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you currently in a rehabilitation hospital unit?
- Do you have a brain condition that affects your thinking or movement?
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you currently need some help when eating your meals?
- Can you understand and agree to take part in the study?
- Can you use your hands for eating, even if with difficulty?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the study will begin with an occupational therapist checking your hand movements to figure out the best size for your custom cutlery handle (25, 30, 35, or 40 mm).
Before you use the new cutlery (on Day 0), a dietitian will measure how much you eat at lunch, and the occupational therapist will observe how you eat.
The next day (Day 1), you'll use the adapted cutlery for the first time during lunch, and your food intake will be measured again.
After using the adapted cutlery for three days (Day 3), which allows you time to get used to it, your food intake will be measured one last time, and the occupational therapist will observe your meal again to see if it's easier for you to eat. Your participation will end after these Day 3 assessments.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- SSR Pierre ChevalierVerified postcodeHyères, France· Recruiting
- Hôpital Georges ClemenceauVerified postcodeLa Garde, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 3D printer and how does it help?
A 3D printer is a machine that builds solid objects, like these cutlery handles, layer by layer from a design on a computer. It helps by allowing us to create handles that are perfectly sized for your hand.
What kind of brain conditions are included?
This study is for people with 'neurodegenerative diseases,' which are conditions that affect the brain over time, like Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.
Will I have to eat different food for the study?
No, you will eat the standard lunches provided by your hospital unit on the days of the study. The meals will be similar each day.
What does 'autonomy' mean in this study?
In this study, 'autonomy' means your ability to do things independently, specifically to eat meals without needing as much help from others.
What happens after the three days?
Your participation in the study ends after the assessments on Day 3. The research team will then use the information gathered to understand how well the custom cutlery works.
How to find out more
Sophie Lafond
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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