Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: T057
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.T057
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, T057 (2023)
Intelligent Cheneau brace as an alternative to static orthosis – a case study
Patrycja Tymińska-Wójcik1*
1 Doctoral School at Lublin University of Technology, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka 36, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: p.tyminska@pollub.pl
Abstract
The subject of the research is the analysis of the dynamics of forces in the intelligent Cheneau brace prototype during one year clinical trials with a patient. The traditional Cheneau static brace is the main method for idiopathic scoliosis treatment. The orthosis corrects deformation of the spine by exerting multi-point pressure forces on the patient torso around the spine and thorax. The intelligent Cheneau brace is a portable system based on the STM32 microcontroller that collects forces values data at real time from sensors mounted on the orthosis in order to determine the reference range of applied pressures and to find the optimal values to increase the effectiveness of scoliosis treatment. For this purpose, a device with a frequency of 1 measurement per second was designed. The sensors used in the device were an in-house made thin-film graphene sensors. The described studies are part of the research for a doctoral dissertation. The comparison of collected results with X-rays of the spine in the brace from the whole treatment cycle allows to assess how wearing the brace impacts the effective correction of the spine curvature. Considering the analysis of a person’s skeletal system and the generated pressures, it is possible to optimize the method of posture correction. One year measurements for a patient along with periodical the X-ray images show a colossal improvement and decrease in the curvature of the spine. It is possible to observe the forces in particular places at various stages of treatment, their value and change over the year. The observed regularity and preciseness in wearing the orthosis by the patient confirms the initial assumptions that the desired effectiveness of treatment is achieved by wearing the brace for 23 hours a day. Based on X-ray images, it can be numerically determined how much the angle of curvature (Cobb’s angle) has decreased over the course of a year in reference to measured forces and how it affects the effectiveness of therapy. The research described above is intended to highlight the need for research into the field of spine defects using modern technology.
How to cite
P. Tymińska-Wójcik, 2023. Intelligent Cheneau brace as an alternative to static orthosis – a case study. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.T057