Monitoring pressure for scoliosis brace treatment

Design of a Dynamic Pressure Monitoring System for Orthotic Treatment of Scoliosis

Observational The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT03716843

This study is testing a new way to measure pressure from a scoliosis brace on teenagers to see if it can help improve comfort and treatment results.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 15 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tsim Sha Tsui, Kolwoon)
Trial IDNCT03716843 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, aiming to develop a dynamic pressure monitoring system to improve brace treatment outcomes. By integrating fiber optic sensors into a specially designed undergarment, the study will measure pressure distribution and dynamics between the body and the thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis (TLSO) brace. The goal is to enhance understanding of how pressure affects treatment efficacy and patient comfort, ultimately leading to better compliance and outcomes. The study involves collaboration among experts in various fields, including engineering and orthopedics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are teenagers aged 10 to 16 diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and a Cobb's angle between 25 to 45 degrees.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for x-ray exposure or those with other musculoskeletal conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce discomfort and complications associated with brace treatment, improving adherence and treatment outcomes for adolescents with scoliosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the integration of dynamic pressure monitoring in brace treatment is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in improving treatment adherence and outcomes in other orthopedic conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Teenagers diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
* Cobb's angle between 25 to 45 degrees
* Immature skeletons (Risser grade 0-2)
* Types of scoliosis are classified by the Lenke classification system
* Have received rigid brace treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications for x-ray exposure
* Diagnosis of other musculoskeletal or developmental illness that might be responsible for the spinal curvature
* History of previous surgical treatment for AIS
* Contraindications for pulmonary and/ or exercise tests
* Psychiatric disorders
* Recent trauma
* Recent traumatic (emotional) event

Where this trial is running

Tsim Sha Tsui, Kolwoon

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Adolescent Idiopathic ScoliosisDynamic Pressure Monitoring
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.