Active Bodysuits for Adult Degenerative Scoliosis
Active Bodysuits for Adult Degenerative Scoliosis
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.
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.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Adults diagnosed with degenerative scoliosis

 -  Cobb's angle greater than 25 degrees

 -  Chronic lower back pain

 -  Limited mobility due to degenerative scoliosis

 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