Intelligent corset to support rollover of cancer bone metastasis patients - Mechanism to restrict the trunk ROM

A mechanism using a pneumatic artificial rubber muscle (PARM) to restrict trunk twisting range of motion was proposed and an intelligent corset was developed to support the rollover movement of cancer bone metastasis patients. In this research, the specifications of the intelligent corset were deteminated so that it could perform in the same way as a traditional hard corset. Furthermore, based on the permitted trunk twist angle derived from interviews with hospital nurses, systems were evaluated for detecting the intention of rollover, using a neural network to recognize rollover, and using a PARM to restrict trunk range of motion (ROM). Through experimentation, the effectiveness of the intelligent corset was confirmed in ULPT and LLPT rollover movements. However, in 11% of the LLFT rollover trials, the twisting angle was higher than the permitted angle. Additionally, it was found that the intelligent corset solved the problem of the hard corset that patients feel pressure because of the constant restriction. In future, the intelligent corset will be evaluated in the clinical test.