Title :
A low power wireless load monitoring system for the treatment of scoliosis
Author :
Lou, Edmond ; Raso, James ; Hill, Doug ; Durdle, Nelson G.
Author_Institution :
Glemose Rehabilitation Hosp., Edmonton, Alta., Canada
fDate :
10/1/2002 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The efficacy of brace treatment for children with abnormal spinal curvature has been hampered by the lack of comprehensive information about wear characteristics. A battery-powered microcomputer system was developed to monitor loads exerted by braces used to treat children with spinal deformities. The system can be used by patients to ensure that the brace is being worn as prescribed, by clinicians to provide a record of how well the brace has been used, and by researchers to investigate brace mechanics. Data acquisition is controlled by a microcontroller and can be sampled with intervals ranging from 1 s to 1 h. In a preliminary study, a subject volunteered to test the system for 1 day. The load level was recorded as 1.20±0.01 N when the subject was standing normally. The average force for the test day was 1.52±0.75 N. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the approach, helps patients better wear their braces and increases our understanding of brace mechanics.
Keywords :
computerised monitoring; data acquisition; force measurement; force sensors; microcomputer applications; orthotics; patient monitoring; patient treatment; radio applications; wear; 1 day; 1 h; 1 s; average force measurement; battery-powered microcomputer systems; brace load monitoring systems; brace mechanics; brace treatment; brace wear characteristics; brace wear monitoring; children with abnormal spinal curvature; force transducers; load level recording; low power wireless load monitoring systems; microcontroller data acquisition; orthotics; patient treatment/monitoring; sampling intervals; scoliosis treatment; spinal deformities; standing load level; wireless data transmission; Data acquisition; Force measurement; Hospitals; Medical treatment; Microcomputers; Microcontrollers; Patient monitoring; Pediatrics; Pressure measurement; System testing;
Journal_Title :
Instrumentation and Measurement, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TIM.2002.807792