A preliminary design of new corrective and wireless thoracolumbar bracing for individuals with functional thoracolumbar kyphosis

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to design a new corrective and wireless thoracolumbar bracing for individuals with functional thoracolumbar kyphosis. For designing a new corrective and wireless thoracolumbar bracing, we used elastic thoraco-lumbo-sacral support. The support structure of the present brace formed by six straps to adjust, two metals to hold, support structure in electronic form, and two local stabilizers with bending sensor. The software of this brace designed to be able to find out the bending angle of the bending sensor. Electronic system connects through mobile App using Bluetooth connection. To do this, the researcher must turn on the electronic circuit, then device and mobile phone connects with Bluetooth. After that, the bending sensor data transform to the mobile software and the software shows the amount of bending on the mobile phone. The new corrective and wireless thoracolumbar brace designed in the present study could be used in the corrective training programs and also during daily activities. The alarm system of this brace made it a suitable and user-friendly brace for corrective aims of kyphosis malalignment. In patients with the all grade of abnormal kyphosis or lordosis, we mount the wireless thoracolumbar brace strapped to the hip and chest. Bending sensors send information of the kyphosis or lordosis angle in sagittal plane to the microcontroller. When angle is greater than the normal angle, microcontroller switch on the vibration switch to alarm patient to correct his/her posture. The current wireless device deemed to use in the corrective training programs and also during daily activities in patients with some postural abnormalities.