Clinical analysis of a CAD/CAM system for custom seating: a comparison with hand-sculpting methods.
A CAD/CAM system for manufacturing custom seating inserts was evaluated within a moderately to severely disabled population. Using the Otto Bock Shape System, 25 CAD/CAM seats were manufactured at a remote facility and compared to 9 seats manufactured using hard-sculpting techniques. Clinician and client questionnaires were completed for each seat to assess satisfaction, fitting/manufacturing times, and to collect demographic data. The CAD/CAM method was significantly better (p < 0.05) than the hand-sculpting method in terms of on-site fabrication time. No significant differences were found for initial fitting time, final fitting time, clinician insert rating, and client satisfaction. These results support the CAD/CAM method as an effective and clinically efficient technique for making custom wheelchair seats.
Lemaire
E D
ED
Rehabilitation Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada. elemaire@rohcg.on.ca
Upton
D
D
Paialunga
J
J
Martel
G
G
Boucher
J
J
D000328:Adult; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014910:Wheelchairs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data