Polymeric Materials in Assistive Devices for Cerebral Palsy: Advances and Applications

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 06 | Page : 316 322
    By

    Malwade Mandar R.,

  • Tejani Neelam Hitesh,

  • Gawande Pratiksha Diwakar,

  • Patil Lokesh Rajendrasing,

  1. Professor, Department of Pediatric Physiotherapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharashtra, India
  2. Researcher, Department of Pediatric Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharshtra, India
  3. Researcher, Department of Pediatric Physiotherapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharshtra, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of mechanical engineering, Rajarambapu Institute of Technology (RIT), Uran Islampur, Maharshtra, India

Abstract

The neurological condition known as cerebral palsy (CP) impairs muscle coordination and movement often necessitating assistive devices for mobility, support, and rehabilitation. These devices are crucial for enhancing CP patients’ quality of life by boosting their independence, comfort, and overall functionality. Recent advancements in polymer chemistry have revolutionized the development of assistive devices, offering enhanced flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility. The integration of polymeric materials in orthotic supports, adaptive braces, and rehabilitation tools has significantly improved their effectiveness and wearability, reduced discomfort and increasing user compliance. This paper explores the role of polymeric materials in CP assistive devices, focusing on biocompatible polymers, smart polymers, and polymer composites. For dynamic orthotic and prosthetic applications, smart polymers—like shape-memory polymers (SMPs) and electroactive polymers (EAPs)—are perfect because they respond to external stimuli like heat, pressure, or electrical signals. Additionally, fiber-reinforced polymer composites enhance strength and durability while maintaining lightweight properties, allowing for better mobility and ease of use. Moreover, 3D printing’s potential and nanotechnology in polymer-based rehabilitation devices is opening the door for individualized and flexible solutions tailored to individual patient needs. Sustainable and biodegradable polymers also present an environmentally friendly alternative for long-term medical applications. As research progresses, the future of polymer-based rehabilitation devices lies in the development of intelligent, responsive materials designed for personalized healthcare, ensuring optimal support and functionality for individuals with CP.

Keywords: Polymeric materials, biomedical polymers, gentle robotics, 3D printing for medical equipment, flexible electronics.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Malwade Mandar R., Tejani Neelam Hitesh, Gawande Pratiksha Diwakar, Patil Lokesh Rajendrasing. Polymeric Materials in Assistive Devices for Cerebral Palsy: Advances and Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):316-322.
How to cite this URL:
Malwade Mandar R., Tejani Neelam Hitesh, Gawande Pratiksha Diwakar, Patil Lokesh Rajendrasing. Polymeric Materials in Assistive Devices for Cerebral Palsy: Advances and Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):316-322. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=224116


References

  1. Paul S, Nahar A, Bhagawati M, Kunwar AJ. A review on recent advances of cerebral palsy. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 2022;2022(1):2622310.
  2. Lino Tb, Martinez Lb, Boueri Iz, Lourenço Gf. Effects of the use of assistive technology devices to promote independence in daily life activities for a child with cerebral palsy. Revista Brasileira de Educação Especial. 2020 Feb 21;26:35-50.
  3. Nahar A, Jain S, Paul S. Advances in Cerebral Palsy Treatment. Recent Patents on Engineering. 2024 Aug 1;18(6):110-23.
  4. Atif M, Shoukat S, Imran M, Alex M. Paradigm shift in orthopedic implants from metals to polymers. Iranian Polymer Journal. 2024 Dec 19:1-24.
  5. Harun-Ur-Rashid M, Imran AB. Emerging trends in engineering polymers: a paradigm shift in material engineering. Recent Progress in Materials. 2024 Sep;6(3):1-37.
  6. Vennam S, Vijayasankar KN, Pati F. 3D printed personalized assistive devices: A material, technique, and medical condition perspective. Applied Materials Today. 2024 Oct 1;40:102403.
  7. Vennam S, Vijayasankar KN, Pati F. 3D printed personalized assistive devices: A material, technique, and medical condition perspective. Applied Materials Today. 2024 Oct 1;40:102403.
  8. Heo Y, Choi HJ, Hwang SJ, Lee JW, Kwon CY, Cho HS, Kim GS. Development of a knee actuated exoskeletal gait orthosis for paraplegic patients with incomplete spinal cord injury: A single case study. Applied Sciences. 2020 Dec 23;11(1):58.
  9. Feldner HA, Gaebler‐Spira D, Awasthi V, Bjornson K. Supportive mobility device use across the life span by individuals with cerebral palsy: A qualitative study. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. 2022 Nov;64(11):1392-401.
  10. Zhu M, Biswas S, Dinulescu SI, Kastor N, Hawkes EW, Visell Y. Soft, wearable robotics and haptics: Technologies, trends, and emerging applications. Proceedings of the IEEE. 2022 Jan 19;110(2):246-72.
  11. Bunge LR, Davidson AJ, Helmore BR, Mavrandonis AD, Page TD, Schuster-Bayly TR, Kumar S. Effectiveness of powered exoskeleton use on gait in individuals with cerebral palsy: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2021 May 26;16(5): e0252193.
  12. Khoshmanesh F, Thurgood P, Pirogova E, Nahavandi S, Baratchi S. Wearable sensors: At the frontier of personalised health monitoring, smart prosthetics and assistive technologies. Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 2021 Mar 15; 176:112946.
  13. Lu X, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Zheng S, Ma X. Phase-change and shape-memory materials for smart medical textiles. In Smart Textiles from Natural Resources 2024 Jan 1 (pp. 539-559). Woodhead Publishing.
  14. Virumbrales C, Hernández-Ruiz R, Trigo-López M, Vallejos S, García JM. Sensory Polymers: Trends, Challenges, and Prospects Ahead. Sensors. 2024; 24:3852.
  15. Ivaturi A, Varghese O. Introduction to “Shaping the future using thin films and nanotechnology”. Materials Advances. 2023;4(12):2522-3.
  16. Vennam S, Vijayasankar KN, Pati F. 3D printed personalized assistive devices: A material, technique, and medical condition perspective. Applied Materials Today. 2024 Oct 1; 40:102403.
  17. Abbas S. Biomedical Engineering: Bridging the gap between technology and medicine. The Research of Medical Science Review. 2023 May 17;1(02):37-45.
  18. Bandyopadhyay A, Mitra I, Goodman SB, Kumar M, Bose S. Improving biocompatibility for next generation of metallic implants. Progress in materials science. 2023 Mar 1;133:101053.
  19. Mohammadi A, Doctorsafaei A, Ghodsieh M, Beigi-Boroujeni S. Polyurethane Foams. In Polymeric Foams: Fundamentals and Types of Foams (Volume 1) 2023 (pp. 143-159). American Chemical Society.
  20. Choudhury M, Bindra HS, Singh K, Singh AK, Nayak R. Antimicrobial polymeric composites in consumer goods and healthcare sector: A healthier way to prevent infection. Polymers for Advanced Technologies. 2022 Jul;33(7):1997-2024.
  21. Thakorbhai PP. Investigations on Prosthetics/Orthotics Elements Developed From Polymers and Its Composites (Doctoral dissertation, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (India)).
  22. Fan Q, Duan H, Xing X. A review of composite materials for enhancing support, flexibility and strength in exercise. Alexandria Engineering Journal. 2024 May 1;94:90-103.
  23. Lingampally PK, Ramanathan KC, Shanmugam R, Cepova L, Salunkhe S. Wearable Assistive Rehabilitation Robotic Devices—A Comprehensive Review. Machines. 2024 Jun 17;12(6):415.
  24. Esquena-Moret J. A review of xyloglucan: Self-aggregation, hydrogel formation, mucoadhesion and uses in medical devices. Macromol. 2022 Dec 6;2(4):562-90.
  25. Luo L, Zhang F, Wang L, Liu Y, Leng J. Recent Advances in Shape Memory Polymers: Multifunctional Materials, Multiscale Structures, and Applications. Advanced Functional Materials. 2024 Apr;34(14):2312036.
  26. Sakib-Uz-Zaman C, Khondoker MA. Polymer-based additive manufacturing for orthotic and prosthetic devices: Industry outlook in Canada. Polymers. 2023 Mar 17;15(6):1506.
  27. Shahi F, Afshar H, Dawi EA, Khonakdar HA. Smart Microneedles in Biomedical Engineering: Harnessing Stimuli‐Responsive Polymers for Novel Applications. Polymers for Advanced Technologies. 2024 Dec;35(12):e70020.
  28. Karim MR, Siddiqui MI, Assaifan AK, Aijaz MO, Alnaser IA. Nanotechnology and Prosthetic Devices: Integrating Biomedicine and Materials Science for Enhanced Performance and Adaptability. Journal of Disability Research. 2024 Mar 19;3(3):20240019.
  29. Lalegani Dezaki M, Zolfagharian A, Demoly F, Bodaghi M. Human–Material Interaction Enabled by Fused Filament Fabrication 4D Printing. Advanced Engineering Materials. 2024 Apr;26(7):2301917.
  30. Chattopadhyay J, Srivastava N, Pathak TS. Comprehensive review of 3D printing techniques emphasizing thermal characterization in biomedical prototyping. Journal of Biomaterials Applications. 2025 Jan 12:08853282251314672.
  31. Phiri R, Rangappa SM, Siengchin S, Oladijo OP, Ozbakkaloglu T. Advances in lightweight composite structures and manufacturing technologies: A comprehensive review. Heliyon. 2024 Oct 22.
  32. Núñez-Carrero KC, Alonso-Pastor LE, Herrero M. Polymer composite sensors. Sensory Polymers. 2024 Jan 1:339-89.
  33. Nahar A, Jain S, Paul S. Advances in Cerebral Palsy Treatment. Recent Patents on Engineering. 2024 Aug 1;18(6):110-23.
  34. Fan Q, Duan H, Xing X. A review of composite materials for enhancing support, flexibility and strength in exercise. Alexandria Engineering Journal. 2024 May 1;94:90-103.
  35. Fazilram P, Dr Uzma Belgaumi, Dr. Nupura Vibhute, Dr. Vidya Kadashetti, Dr. Wasim Kamate, Dr. Rashmi Gangavati. Examining Connective Tissue Changes Across Various Grades of Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Histochemical Polymeric Investigation. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2024; 12(03):124-137.
  36. Mahmood A, Perveen F, Chen S, Akram T, Irfan A. Polymer composites in 3D/4D printing: materials, advances, and prospects. Molecules. 2024 Jan 9;29(2):319.
  37. Pradnya Chaudhari, Dr. Shashikiran N.D, Dr. Sachin gugawad, Dr. Namrata Gaonkar, Dr. Swapnil Taur, Dr. Savita Hadakar. Comparative Assessment of Antibacterial Effectiveness, Bioactivity, Fluoride Release, and Microleakage of Various Bioactive Smart Composites: An In Vitro Investigation. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2024; 12(03):76-86.
  38. Álvarez-Aguado I, Vega Córdova V, Muñoz La Rivera F, González-Carrasco F, Roselló-Peñaloza M, Espinosa Parra F, Spencer H, Farhang M, Campaña Vilo K, Aguado LÁ. Exploring technology use among older adults with intellectual disabilities: barriers, opportunities, and the role of advanced technologies. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 2025 Apr 28:1-2.
  39. Amaral C, Paiva M, Rodrigues AR, Veiga F, Bell V. Global regulatory challenges for medical devices: impact on innovation and market access. Applied Sciences. 2024 Oct 12;14(20):9304.
Special Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Special Issue 06
Received 12/03/2025
Accepted 09/05/2025
Published 07/08/2025
Publication Time 148 Days
301

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics