After an arduous four months of research, a student team at UCLA Anderson has discovered the possibilities on how 3D Printing technology can impact the design, development, and manufacturing of sports equipment for people with disabilities. In order to play to the best of their ability, disabled athletes require equipment that has been “adapted” or modified to suit their individual needs and allows them to participate.
The team at UCLA Anderson discovered that the average cost of an adapted wheelchair or handcycle is anywhere between $2,000-$10,000, while the average cost of prosthetics range from $5,000 to upwards of $100,000. The prices of equipment alone are extreme, and that’s before any modifications or repairs that are made to them. So what can be done to help lower the prices of modified sports equipment, as well as spread the word about the effectiveness of adaptive sports?
For those of us fortunate enough to live our day-to-day lives without the inconveniences of a physical disability, it is hard to imagine the changes one must make to cope with such a difficulty. And just like those without disabilities, playing sports is a way to overcome obstacles by doing something they love. Sports and Social Change, a marketing and advertising company in the greater Los Angeles area is tackling ways to promote 3D Printing as a solution to reducing prices, as well as increasing participation in athletics for those with disabilities. Howard K. Brodwin, founder of Sports and Social Change, worked directly with the student team at UCLA Anderson and is looking positively towards the goal of resolving this problem.
“In doing this research, we wanted to confirm that the high cost of equipment was one of the huge barriers”, said Brodwin. “If the adaptive equipment didn’t cost so much, more people would be involved.”
3-Dimensional printing of adaptive sporting equipment gives athletes the ability to be provided service for their broken or damaged equipment almost immediately, without the trouble of waiting for new parts from a manufacturer. This innovation would not only help lower the cost of new equipment, but give more people who are disabled the ability to both afford, as well as take part in the recreation.
Throughout their research, the student team at Anderson found examples of Prosthetists using 3D Printing to print prosthetic sockets right in their own office. The promptness of the 3D Printing allows the patient to be fitted for their new equipment almost immediately, giving them the opportunity to quickly test the product, find any problems, and have those problems fixed in just a matter of days. However, creating enough awareness about this technology in order to get it on the market seems to be one of the underlying problems to its development.
“At this point in our research, we’re seeking key partners in adaptive sports and 3D Printing that want to get behind this project,” says Brodwin. “We’re looking at ways to help the broader disability community, as well as methods to teach nonprofit adaptive sports organizations how to use 3D Printing.”
Next summer, Sports and Social Change will travel to Brazil to gain global exposure and valuable connections through the 2016 Paralympic Games, taking place in Rio de Janeiro from September 7th through September 18th During last year’s 2014 Paralympic Games held in Sochi, Russia, 430 athletes represented by 16 different countries competed in Winter Olympic sporting events boasting various types of adaptive sporting equipment. The 2016 Games in Brazil are expected to host more Paralympic athletes than ever before, giving international athletes access to a greater understanding of the issues faced worldwide by adaptive sports.
“By bringing the awareness of this project to the global exposure in Brazil we have the ability for people to look at it from not only a humanitarian perspective, but an assessment on how to look at it on the business market as well,” says Brodwin. “Sports is a business, so let’s look at it like a business.”
Brodwin, along with everyone at Sports and Social Change expects to maximize the benefits of global exposure in Brazil, including the media as well as those affiliated with the adaptive sports market. The student team at Anderson believes that the chance to be able to connect with international athletes, and discovering these common barriers all across the world, is the key to creating the largest global impact.
“We are excited and hopeful that the 3D printing community, as well as the adaptive sports community sees an opportunity that they can embrace”, Brodwin stated. “We look forward to putting this problem in a good light.”