Active Bodysuits for Adult Degenerative Scoliosis

Not Applicable

Brief Summary: Adult degenerative (de novo) scoliosis (ADS) is a condition of the ageing population caused by degenerative changes without pre-existing spinal deformity. Pain is the most frequent problem, especially low back pain and radicular pain, and seriously affects the daily activities and health of ADS patients. The current treatment for ADS is not well defined. The main intervention for ADS treatment is surgical, but surgery is clearly not appropriate for every patient. Active bodysuits will be designed based on body alignment and pain management using special design components and incorporating active posture training from a biofeedback system. Back pain is often localized along the convexity of the curve, and passive support to the areas of pain, most likely in the lower trunk, hip and lower extremities, should be provided.

Detailed Description: The potential materials that can provide support are 3D printable rigid materials, semirigid foam padding, Velcro tape and stretchable wide waistbands. The 3D printable materials can be very versatile in terms of properties and can be further finished with an epoxy resin or thermoplastics. Different compositions and structures of knitted fabrics will be used in different areas of the proposed bodysuits to provide a close fit, high breathability and effective pain management due to extra support. The fastening system includes a magnetic zipper and pulley system that can be adjusted by pulling on knobs. The pulley system contains a microadjustable dial, super-strong lightweight lacing, and low friction lacing guides.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Exclusion Criteria

Substantial cardiac, pulmonary, renal or metabolic disease
Neuromuscular scoliosis (e.g., spinal muscular atrophy, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's Disease, post-polio syndrome, Charcot Marie Tooth disease)
Spine tumor, infection or connective tissue disorder
Cognitively impaired or unable/unwilling to comply with follow-up
Past history of vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty of the thoracic or lumbar spine

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Active Bodysuits	Active Bodysuits	The potential materials that can provide support are 3D printable rigid materials, semirigid foam padding, Velcro tape and stretchable wide waistbands. The 3D printable materials can be very versatile in terms of properties and can be further finished with an epoxy resin or thermoplastics. Different compositions and structures of knitted fabrics will be used in different areas of the proposed bodysuits to provide a close fit, high breathability and effective pain management due to extra support. The fastening system includes a magnetic zipper and pulley system that can be adjusted by pulling on knobs. The pulley system contains a microadjustable dial, super-strong lightweight lacing, and low friction lacing guides.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Body alignment	9-12 months	Evaluation of kyphosis or lordosis in the sagittal plane

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Scoliosis Research Society Quality of Life Questionnaire	1 year	Scoliosis specific quality of life measure
Oswestry Disability Index	1 year	Back disability quality of life measure

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