VA Designs Adaptive 3D Printed Bowling Stick for Veterans
Engineers at the Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Advanced Manufacturing have developed a 3D printed bowling stick to provide greater independence for veterans with physical challenges.
A retired Air Force veteran and amputee, Francine Goode, can now enjoy bowling thanks to a custom-designed 3D printed bowling stick created by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The project was initiated by a recreational therapist at the Perry Point VA Medical Center who identified limitations in existing adaptive bowling equipment, which often required assistance and offered little autonomy.
Engineers from the VA's Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM) utilized 3D printing to iteratively design and refine the bowling stick, tailoring it to Goode's specific needs. Feedback from veteran testing directly influenced successive versions, enhancing the stick's control, adjustability, and ease of use. The result is a simple device that enables veterans to bowl independently with standard equipment.
According to Jeff Frankart, a biomedical equipment support specialist with VA's Richmond OAM, the 3D printed stick offers a level of independence not found with commercially available options. He noted that the device is adaptable for veterans with a wide range of abilities and allows them to use their own bowling balls without needing a separate ramp. Goode herself praised the stick's portability and versatility, finding it easier to control the ball and use compared to other adaptive solutions.
The bowling stick is one of several assistive devices developed by OAM, including a one-handed bra closure and a 3D printed radiation bolus. This initiative highlights the VA's strategy of using in-house 3D printing to create personalized, low-cost tools that address unmet needs, enabling veterans to remain active and engaged in their preferred activities.
This development showcases the power of additive manufacturing in creating highly personalized, low-cost assistive devices. By directly addressing user feedback and individual needs, the VA's OAM is filling gaps in the market for adaptive equipment, promoting independence and well-being for veterans. This mirrors broader trends in additive manufacturing for personalized healthcare and consumer products, where custom solutions are increasingly viable.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.