With the recent advances in technology in medical sciences, the use of 3D printing (3DP) has been shown to improve service delivery. 3DP has been used for making implants, prosthetics, anatomical models, and other medical equipment. Cost-benefit analysis is in favor of these 3D-printed medical supplies. Along with this, additive manufacturing is slowly making its way into sports and prosthetics. It has been used to make improved and customized equipment like faceguards, mouthguards, helmets, shoes, etc. However, there is a paucity of scientific evidence regarding the benefits that these customized devices provide. They have also been used to construct customized prosthetics for para-athletes. It has been observed that 3DP helps in customization, rapid prototyping, and quick production of equipment and prosthetics. Yet, more research needs to be undertaken in this field regarding the long-term effects of this technology in patients with limb loss. There is some evidence of significant improvement in health conditions and activities of daily living of patients with limb length discrepancy with a 3D-printed orthosis. Apart from this, we also need to understand the legislative rules for the use of devices and technology that can be permitted in a particular sport. This will help in allowing fair play and in preventing technology doping. Tissue bioengineering, bioprinting, and 6D printing are the recent advances in this field of additive manufacturing. This chapter focuses on the use and importance of 3DP in sports, para-sports, para-athletes, and the paralympic movement.
Elsevier, Additive Manufacturing Materials and Technology: Additive Manufacturing Materials and Technologies, 2024, Pages 341-357
