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The purpose of the conducted study was to analyse new materials intended for contact with the human body in view of their physical, chemical and biological properties. The authors have put to test six commercially available materials, four out of which were composite polyamide 12-based materials, while two were polyurethanes. The examined materials were assessed in terms of the surface. Subsequently, their hardness and biocompatibility were tested. The authors devoted major attention to the tests of absorption and emissivity of water, the pH = 7.4 PBS buffer solution and pH = 4.3 artificial sweat in temperatures of 21°C and 37°C. The results of the tests have confirmed the non-toxicity of all the tested materials and allowed to provide their characteristics in terms of their surface, hardness, as well as absorption and emissivity of various body fluids. Both polyamide 12 and the tested polyurethanes are classified as thermoplastics that may be used in additive technology.

The paper describes the construction of sensory inserts on footwear with measuring elements that measure the pressure exerted by the foot on the ground. The process of creating a prototype in 3D technology was also presented and measurements were made to verify the correctness of the presented solution.

Incroduction: Falls are a very serious problem for people over 65 years of age. The frequency of falls increases with age. Studies show that 18% of people under the age of 45 fall down every year, 25% of those aged 45-65 and 35% of those over 65. Material and Methods: 18 people from the participants of the project “Comprehensive diagnosis and rehabilitation of patients with back pain syndromes and those at risk of falling using innovative therapy” were qualified for the analysis. Patients, before and after therapy, were tested using a stabilometric platform. The test was conducted in a free standing position with eyes open (30 seconds) and then with eyes closed (30 seconds). Results: Comparison of patient results before and after therapy showed a statistically significant (p

As part of the experiments herein, the mechanical properties of specimens made of poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) material using 3D printing technology were determined. Two populations of specimens were investigated, the first of which contained an amorphous structure, while the other held a crystal structure. The studies also investigated the influence of the print directionality on the mechanical properties obtained. Static tensile, three-point bending, and impact tests were carried out. The results for the effect of the structure type on the tensile properties showed that the modulus of elasticity was approximately 20% higher for the crystal than for the amorphous PEEK form. The Poisson’s ratios were similar, but the ratio was slightly higher for the amorphous samples than the crystalline ones. Furthermore, the studies included a chemical PEEK modification to increase the hydrophilicity. For this purpose, nitrite and hydroxyl groups were introduced into the chain by chemical reactions. The results demonstrate that the modified PEEK specimens had worse thermoplastic properties than the unmodified specimens.

The article presents results of the anthropometric hand design. It describes its kinematic chain and mechanical structure. Furthermore the ranges of motion for specific joints are being shown. Moreover, examples of other mechanical hand solutions are being presented.

In this study, a model walker for children with cerebral palsy, (poliomyelitis) is presented. It was designed in Inventor environment. Ansys software is used for durability calculation. A prototype of this walker was also constructed and is currently being clinically tested on patients.