Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (29): 7648-7653.doi: 10.12307/2026.414

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Systematic review of the effect of 3D-printed exoskeleton on hand function rehabilitation in stroke patients

Tang Ya1, Li Long2, Huang Du3, Huang Zhaolu1   

  1. 1Qiandongnan Vocational and Technical College for Nationalities, Kaili 556000, Guizhou Province, China; 2Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China; 3China Railway Chengdu Bureau Group Ltd., Kaili 556000, Guizhou Province, China
  • Received:2025-09-29 Revised:2025-12-16 Online:2026-10-18 Published:2026-03-06
  • Contact: Li Long, PhD, Associate professor, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
  • About author:Tang Ya, MS, Lecturer, Qiandongnan Vocational and Technical College for Nationalities, Kaili 556000, Guizhou Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Guizhou Provincial Association for Science and Technology 2025 Annual "New Quality Frontier" Leading Project, No. 2025XZQYXM-01-20 (to TY); Guizhou Provincial Joint Fund for Healthcare High-Quality Development Medical Research, No. 2024GZYXKYJJXM0145 (to LL); College-Level Funding Program of Qiandongnan Vocational and Technical College for Nationalities, No. 24zyyjsk02 (to TY)

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of different types of 3D-printed exoskeletons in hand function rehabilitation for stroke patients based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework.
METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and CBM databases for literature published between January 2015 and December 2024 on 3D-printed exoskeleton interventions for post-stroke hand function rehabilitation. Two researchers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews.
RESULTS: A total of 13 studies involving 62 stroke patients from the United States, China, the Netherlands, Italy, Singapore, and Turkey were finally included. Based on the Brunnstrom stages, exoskeletons were categorized into four types: assistive (Stage I), corrective (Stages II–III), training-oriented (Stages IV–VI), and compensatory (Stages IV–VI). Interventions were delivered via institution-based, home-based, or combined institution-home rehabilitation, with session durations ranging from 15 to 90 minutes, frequencies of 3 to 7 sessions per week, and a total duration of 5 to 8 weeks. The results showed that assistive exoskeletons improved fine hand use ability and self-care capacity of patients; corrective exoskeletons enhanced joint mobility, muscle tone regulation, grip strength, and fine hand use ability; training-oriented exoskeletons improved joint mobility, upper limb muscle strength, and self-care performance; compensatory exoskeletons promoted fine hand dexterity and combined hand-arm functional utilization.
CONCLUSION: Evidence based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework demonstrates that 3D-printed exoskeletons effectively enhance hand function, activity, and participation in stroke patients. It is recommended to select exoskeleton types matched to Brunnstrom stages and develop individualized intervention plans to achieve optimal rehabilitation outcomes.

Key words: 3D printing, exoskeleton, stroke rehabilitation, hand function, systematic review, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, Brunnstrom stage 

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