Kerpape and Damien Seguin, a story that will last – French Paralympic and Sports Committee

Located in Brittany, the Kerpape rehabilitation center contributes, through its Labs, to improving the daily lives of patients and people with disabilities through the creation of technical support. Two-time Paralympic medalist skipper Damien Seguin benefited from the structure’s knowledge to optimize his sporting practice. He stopped by the France Lab Club, on the Sports and French Paralympic Committee stand, to talk to visitors.

Route du Rhum, Vendée Globe, five-time world champion, sailor Damien Seguin did not let his handicap put him down in his performances. Born with left-handed agenesis, he shows, through his results, that the use of high-level sports is possible. Desperate to improve his sailing on his offshore racing boat, a few years ago he called on Kerpape and his CoWork’HIT (a center for innovation, knowledge and resources). Goal: to create a sleeve to use your winch handle in the best way. “We thought about a prosthesis that would be attached to the machine so I could put it on and take it off as I wanted. ” explains Damien Seguin. Various tests were required to arrive at an acceptable finished product. “We made different proteins and the result was a completely waterproof plastic spear to withstand salt water and sea spray. It’s why I managed to do my first world tour four years ago and it’s the same thing I’m starting my next Vendée Globe with in a few weeks.”

Custom made changes

3D printing is one of the technologies used to create the different sleeve prototypes. “We improved the shape and the materials, with plastic and carbon. Between the first prototype and the last one, there were several changes, it happened very quickly thanks to the 3D printer.” And he’s not the only one who will benefit from Kerpape’s experience. The rehabilitation center welcomes about 400 patients a day. Some have difficulty grasping everyday objects or even can no longer use their hands. So they collaborate with the Rehab Lab, another branch of the center, and are involved in the creation of the technical support, always through 3D printing. A good way to get them into the rehabilitation process. There is a network of 60 Rehab Lab structures in Europe.