Development of a scoliosis rehabilitation robot and a preliminary study of its effectiveness in treating coronal deformity / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the appropriate use of a self-developed scoliosis rehabilitation robot in treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and also its safety and effectiveness.Methods:The scoliosis rehabilitation robot consists of a closed-loop pneumatic control system and multi-segment torso, pelvis and upper extremity fixation devices. It provides three-dimensional synchronous correction. Eighteen AIS subjects first received 30min of robot-assisted treatment using the maximum tolerable orthotic force. The angles of their spinal processes were evaluated using ultrasound before the treatment and after 30 seconds, 5 minutes and 30 minutes of treatment, then 5min later. In a second 30sec course of treatment the transverse orthotic force was 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% of the patient′s body weight. Any adverse effects were observed and recorded.Results:The robot ran smoothly and could apply intelligent and precise correction. No severe adverse effects were reported. The mean correction of the spinal process angles showed a significant cumulative effect with treatment time, reaching 104% at 30min. The mean process angle correction increased with the applied force. Force at 25% of the patient′s weight produced an average correction of 104% in patients with mild AIS and 65% in those whose AIS was moderate.Conclusion:The scoliosis rehabilitation robot is safe and immediately effective. Setting the transverse force at 25% of a patient′s weight gives the best corrective effect with mild AIS. Moderate AIS requires more force.