EFFICACY AND USER PERCEPTION OF 3D-PRINTED MYOFASCIAL DEVICES

Abstract

Advances in additive manufacturing (3D printing) have driven innovation in low-cost rehabilitation devices. Myofascial Release (MFR) is a physical therapy technique essential for pain management and the restoration of fascial mobility, typically performed using metal or conventional tools. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy, usability, safety, and perceived comfort of 3D-printed MFR devices compared to conventional tools. This was a quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory study approved by a Research Ethics Committee (CAAE No. 96643126.40000.0255). The devices were designed using FreeCAD software and manufactured from polylactic acid (PLA) via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). The sample consisted of 33 healthy participants (aged 18 to 60; 69.7% female). A standardized static pressure protocol was applied (30 seconds per device, intensity 3 to 7 on the Visual Analog Scale), followed by a descriptive assessment using a structured questionnaire. All volunteers (100%) reported that the 3D-printed devices relieved muscle tension comparably to metal tools, provided a pleasant thermal sensation upon skin contact, and conveyed complete structural safety (with no perceived risk of breakage or deformation). The surface texture of the PLA was deemed comfortable by 90.9% of the sample. The 3D-printed MFR devices demonstrated clinical and ergonomic equivalence to conventional tools, establishing additive manufacturing as a viable, safe, affordable, and customizable alternative for physical therapy practice.