A low power wireless load monitoring system for the treatment of scoliosis

The efficacy of brace treatment for children with abnormal spinal curvature has been hampered by the lack of comprehensive information about wear characteristics. A battery-powered microcomputer system was developed to monitor loads exerted by braces used to treat children with spinal deformities. The system can be used by patients to ensure that the brace is being worn as prescribed, by clinicians to provide a record of how well the brace has been used, and by researchers to investigate brace mechanics. Data acquisition is controlled by a microcontroller and can be sampled with intervals ranging from 1 s to 1 h. In a preliminary study, a subject volunteered to test the system for 1 day. The load level was recorded as 1.20±0.01 N when the subject was standing normally. The average force for the test day was 1.52±0.75 N. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the approach, helps patients better wear their braces and increases our understanding of brace mechanics.