Basic Study on Airbag-based Stationary Type Bracing System for Treatment of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, which may develop idiopathically during growth or as a result of neurogenic or myogenic diseases. As scoliosis progresses, it can exert pressure on internal organs, disrupt cardiac rhythm, and cause breathing difficulties, particularly in the sitting posture. Early detection and consistent use of an orthosis are essential to manage the progression of scoliosis effectively and to correct the patient’s posture. Conventional orthotic devices face challenges in measuring and controlling the pressure applied to different areas of the torso, as well as in adjusting the bracing force in response to changes in symptoms. This study aims to develop a novel system incorporating airbags that can dynamically adjust the bracing force through air pressure modulation. The system is designed to measure and control the corrective force required for scoliosis treatment, in a sitting position, and to integrate with a chair for practical application. Its basic performance was evaluated through functional experiments. We developed a prototype system capable of automatically applying force at three specific points by adjusting the air pressure in airbags using solenoid valves and air pumps controlled by a microprocessor. To assess its performance, experiments were conducted on a mannequin to apply a prescribed corrective force to three lateral points. The pressure range tested was between 30 kPa and 80 kPa, with increments of 10 kPa. The results demonstrated that the system could reliably apply the prescribed pressure to the mannequin at all tested levels, with an error margin comparable to that of existing adjustable orthotic devices. In conclusion, the experiments confirmed the basic performance of the developed system for scoliosis treatment, indicating its potential utility in clinical applications.