Posture correction girdle on adolescents with early scoliosis

Abstract

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a prevalent spinal condition in adolescents that progresses during puberty and leads to three-dimensional deformities. Early-stage AIS, defined by a Cobb angle of 10°–20°, is traditionally managed through periodic observation. Rigid bracing indicated for curves with a Cobb angle of 20°~40°, often causes discomfort, resulting in poor compliance and an increased risk of curve progression. Hence, a multidisciplinary research programme was initiated in 2012 to develop a posture correction girdle (PCG) for mild AIS. This programme was supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) (ITS/237/11, $1.3M, 2012-2014) and the General Research Fund (GRF) (152061/15E, $495,728, 2016~2018), both submitted in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 (RAE2020). Building on previous findings, additional funding from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University internal seed grants ($2M, 2019-2022), the Lee Hysan Foundation ($3M, 2021~2026) and the Research Impact Fund (RIF) (P0044974, $5M, 2024~2028) has supported advanced development between 2020 and 2025. From 2020 onward, the programme integrated engineering and biomedical techniques to refine the PCG. Finite element models were developed to simulate tissue biomechanics and optimise corrective force distribution. Large-scale screenings in Hong Kong schools recruited participants for 3D body scanning and iterative wear trials. Insights from objective data and feedback informed a redesigned sizing system, pattern construction, and material upgrades that enhance comfort. The PCG integrates custom Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors for real-time posture tracking and temperature monitoring. Corrective forces are applied via elastic straps, plastic bones, and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) padding. Clinical evaluations have demonstrated significant immediate curve reduction (mean 87.5%) and promising outcomes indicating curve correction over nine-month. Research outputs include patents (ZL 2023 3 0553931.4), publications, and conference presentations. Industry partnerships, fostered through exhibitions, workshops, and public talks, support clinical validation and translation. These efforts advance brace-mediated rehabilitation strategies for early-stage AIS intervention.