search
Back to results

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Posture Correction Girdle for Adolescents With Early Scoliosis

Primary Purpose

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Status
Recruiting
Phase
Not Applicable
Locations
Hong Kong
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Posture correction girdle
Sponsored by
The University of Hong Kong
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis focused on measuring AIS

Eligibility Criteria

10 Years - 15 Years (Child)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  • • Satisfy SRS criteria for bracing15

    • Curretly treated for rigid underarm brace
    • Primary Cobb angle between 25 to 40 degrees

Exclusion Criteria:

  • • Contraindications for x-ray exposure

    • Diagnosis of other musculoskeletal or developmental illness that might be responsible for the spinal curvature
    • History of previous surgical or orthotic treatment for AIS
    • Contraindications for pulmonary and / or exercise tests
    • Psychiatric disorders
    • Recent trauma
    • Recent traumatic (emotional) event

Sites / Locations

  • Duchess of Kent Children's HospitalRecruiting

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm Type

Experimental

Arm Label

Posture Correction Girdle

Arm Description

Our research team has designed a prototype of posture correction girdle based on the clinical, textile science, material and ergonomics engineering analyses as an alternative to hard brace for AIS. The design of the posture correction girdle incorporates different mechanisms, such as 1) compression and pulling forces through a close fit of the intimate apparel, 2) lumbar flexion by using supporting belt, 3) transverse forces applied by inserting pads inside the pocket lining by using the principle of the 3-point pressure system.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Measure the spinal correction of posture correction girdle and hard brace
The Cobb angle (unit: degree) of posture correction girdle and hard brace will be compared and reported.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Measure the pressure forces exerted by posture correction girdle and hard brace
The pressure forces (unit: kpa) of posture correction girdle and hard brace will be compared and reported.
Measure the spinal correction of posture correction girdle after 6 months
The Cobb angle (unit: degree) after 6-month of posture correction girdle treatment will be calculated and reported.
Measure the pressure changes of posture correction girdle after 6 months
The pressure forces (unit: kpa) after 6-month of posture correction girdle treatment will be calculated and reported.
Measurement of patient-related outcome of posture correction girdle and hard brace by EQ-5D-5L
Health-related quality of life, Euroqol (EQ-5D-5L) The descriptive system comprises 5 dimensions in 5 questions. Each dimension has 5 levels which ranges from 0-no problems to 4-extreme problems. Total score is ranged from 0 to 20. The higher values represent a worse outcome.
Measurement of patient-related outcome of posture correction girdle and hard brace by SRS-22
Health-related quality of life (SRS-22) The questionnaire consists of 22 questions and each question has 5 levels. The maximum score in each domain is 5 (greatest quality) and minimum score is 1 (poorest quality). Total score is ranged from 22 to 110. The higher values represent a better outcome.
Measurement of patient-related outcome of posture correction girdle and hard brace by TAPS
Patients' perception of self-image (TAPS) The TAPS included 3 sets of figures that depict the trunk from 3 viewpoints. Drawings are scored from 1 (greatest deformity) to 5 (smallest deformity). A mean score ranged from 1 to 5 is obtained. The higher mean scores represent a better outcome.

Full Information

First Posted
July 18, 2017
Last Updated
November 16, 2021
Sponsor
The University of Hong Kong
Collaborators
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
search

1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT03929042
Brief Title
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Posture Correction Girdle for Adolescents With Early Scoliosis
Official Title
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Posture Correction Girdle for Adolescents With Early Scoliosis
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
November 2021
Overall Recruitment Status
Recruiting
Study Start Date
July 17, 2017 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
September 30, 2023 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
December 31, 2023 (Anticipated)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Principal Investigator
Name of the Sponsor
The University of Hong Kong
Collaborators
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Data Monitoring Committee
No

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
Through the ITF-Tier 3 project (ITS/ 237/ 11), a prototype of the posture correction girdle based on the clinical, textile science, material and ergonomics engineering analyses has been developed for preteen and teenage girls aged 10 to 13 who have the early stages of scoliosis. The girdle provides a corrective force onto the torso by the warping and elastic extension of the shoulder straps and waistband and the insertion of semi-rigid EVA padding and uses a point-pressure support system to achieve the target of posture improvement and spinal progression control with physical and psychological comfort. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the posture correction girdle, it is proposed to recruit 10 patients to take low dose x-ray (sterEOS) at QMH at supine position. Then, the patient should wear the girdle for two hours and take another x-ray at standing position. If the Cobb's angle of the patient on girdle at standing position can be same as her supine position. It can prove the effectiveness of the girdle.
Detailed Description
Background Information Scoliosis in patients between 10 and 18 years of age is termed adolescent scoliosis. The most common type of scoliosis is one of which the cause is not known. This is called "idiopathic" or "adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)". The main risk factors of curve progression could be skeletal immaturity, female gender and large curve magnitude. It has been found that nearly 10% of all adolescents have some degree of spinal curve or deformity after their tenth year. The health of patients, such as cardiac and pulmonary functions, may be affected if their spinal deformity is very serious. Hence, the most ideal way is to monitor and control spinal curvature once AIS has been found. Treatment options for scoliosis In general, patients are suggested to undergo different types of treatments according to their spine situations and stage of scoliosis. Surgery is suggested for patients with spinal curves that are greater than 41-50 degrees, while bracing is a non-invasive treatment suggested for those with spinal curves between 21-40 degrees. Thoraco-lumber-sacral-orthosis (TLSO) or cervico-thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis (CTLSO) braces are the most commonly prescribed and used braces. The 3-point pressure system is primarily applied by all TLSO braces in order to correct the spinal curve and reduce the curve progression. The plaster cast is tailor-made according to the body shape of each patient. The upper torso of the wearer needs to be tightly compressed by this non-breathable material for 23 hours every day. The duration of the treatment duration will be for years until the bones are fully mature. Aside from the fact that newer types of flexible brace products in the market are not available in large numbers, their effectiveness continues to be controversial and there is much room for improvement. The SpineCor Dynamic brace is one of the flexible braces used to treat AIS. The theory behind the SpineCor system is known as spinal coupling. Spinal coupling corrects deformities by reversing abnormal posture and body shape into their opposite position so that the abnormal alignment of the spine can be corrected. As the spinal curve of each patient is different, thus appropriate positions and tensions of the elastics will be respectively placed and adjusted by a professional before the patient wears the brace. It has been found that the curve progression rate of those who wear the SpineCor Dynamic brace is significantly higher than those who wear the rigid brace. It is believed that the ineffectiveness of the flexible brace may be caused by the shifting of the elastic bands. The elastic bands present on the brace are not fixed to the body of the wearer, and may easily shift to other areas during movement. Hence, the corrective force will no longer be exerted onto the correct position for posture and body shape correction. A summary of the research rationale is listed below. Research rationale 1: Low treatment compliance Treatment through the use of a hard brace has low compliance due to discomfort and psychological issues, such as an awkward and bulky appearance. Flexible braces have other issues, such as discomfort caused by the elastic bands, inconvenience when going to the toilet, and unusual designs, which also result in low compliance. New designs that aim to improve compliance are therefore extremely important. Research rationale 2: Limited product choice for adolescents with early scoliosis Hard brace treatment is overly excessive for adolescents with early scoliosis due to the high corrective force which nearly constrains all movements. The flexible brace treatment is an alternative option; however, its efficacy remains controversial. Intimate apparel that has a specialized design for teenagers with scoliosis is limited and a large majority can only provide some improvement for poor postures, such as hunchback. A scientific approach should be used to design and develop functional intimate apparel as a treatment option for adolescents with early scoliosis.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Keywords
AIS

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Not Applicable
Interventional Study Model
Single Group Assignment
Model Description
Patients currently on underarm brace treatment will be eligible for participation in our study. For those that agree to participate, a AP/lat standing X-ray and force measurements of the brace on the rib and loin hump will be taken. They will be then be asked to wear a customised postural correction girdle 24 hours after they have taken off the brace. The same study assessments will be conducted. Patients whose forces and radiological Cobb correction are comparable between the two methods of treatment will be given a choice to either continue the hard brace or wear the posture correction girdle.
Masking
None (Open Label)
Allocation
N/A
Enrollment
50 (Anticipated)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Posture Correction Girdle
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Our research team has designed a prototype of posture correction girdle based on the clinical, textile science, material and ergonomics engineering analyses as an alternative to hard brace for AIS. The design of the posture correction girdle incorporates different mechanisms, such as 1) compression and pulling forces through a close fit of the intimate apparel, 2) lumbar flexion by using supporting belt, 3) transverse forces applied by inserting pads inside the pocket lining by using the principle of the 3-point pressure system.
Intervention Type
Device
Intervention Name(s)
Posture correction girdle
Intervention Description
Our research team has designed a prototype of posture correction girdle based on the clinical, textile science, material and ergonomics engineering analyses as an alternative to hard brace for AIS. The design of the posture correction girdle incorporates different mechanisms, such as 1) compression and pulling forces through a close fit of the intimate apparel, 2) lumbar flexion by using supporting belt, 3) transverse forces applied by inserting pads inside the pocket lining by using the principle of the 3-point pressure system.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Measure the spinal correction of posture correction girdle and hard brace
Description
The Cobb angle (unit: degree) of posture correction girdle and hard brace will be compared and reported.
Time Frame
2 weeks
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Measure the pressure forces exerted by posture correction girdle and hard brace
Description
The pressure forces (unit: kpa) of posture correction girdle and hard brace will be compared and reported.
Time Frame
2 weeks
Title
Measure the spinal correction of posture correction girdle after 6 months
Description
The Cobb angle (unit: degree) after 6-month of posture correction girdle treatment will be calculated and reported.
Time Frame
6 months
Title
Measure the pressure changes of posture correction girdle after 6 months
Description
The pressure forces (unit: kpa) after 6-month of posture correction girdle treatment will be calculated and reported.
Time Frame
6 months
Title
Measurement of patient-related outcome of posture correction girdle and hard brace by EQ-5D-5L
Description
Health-related quality of life, Euroqol (EQ-5D-5L) The descriptive system comprises 5 dimensions in 5 questions. Each dimension has 5 levels which ranges from 0-no problems to 4-extreme problems. Total score is ranged from 0 to 20. The higher values represent a worse outcome.
Time Frame
6 months
Title
Measurement of patient-related outcome of posture correction girdle and hard brace by SRS-22
Description
Health-related quality of life (SRS-22) The questionnaire consists of 22 questions and each question has 5 levels. The maximum score in each domain is 5 (greatest quality) and minimum score is 1 (poorest quality). Total score is ranged from 22 to 110. The higher values represent a better outcome.
Time Frame
6 months
Title
Measurement of patient-related outcome of posture correction girdle and hard brace by TAPS
Description
Patients' perception of self-image (TAPS) The TAPS included 3 sets of figures that depict the trunk from 3 viewpoints. Drawings are scored from 1 (greatest deformity) to 5 (smallest deformity). A mean score ranged from 1 to 5 is obtained. The higher mean scores represent a better outcome.
Time Frame
6 months

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
10 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
15 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • Satisfy SRS criteria for bracing15 Curretly treated for rigid underarm brace Primary Cobb angle between 25 to 40 degrees Exclusion Criteria: • Contraindications for x-ray exposure Diagnosis of other musculoskeletal or developmental illness that might be responsible for the spinal curvature History of previous surgical or orthotic treatment for AIS Contraindications for pulmonary and / or exercise tests Psychiatric disorders Recent trauma Recent traumatic (emotional) event
Central Contact Person:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Kenny Kwan, BMBCh (Oxon)
Phone
+852 22554654
Email
kyhkwan@hku.hk
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Ms Amy Cheung, MA
Phone
+852 22554654
Email
amycheung114@ortho.hku.hk
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Prof Kenneth Cheung, MBBS (UK), MD (HK)
Organizational Affiliation
The University of Hong Kong
Official's Role
Study Chair
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital
City
Hong Kong
Country
Hong Kong
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr Kenny Kwan, BMBCh (Oxon)
Phone
+852 22554654
Email
kyhkwan@hku.hk
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Ms Amy Cheung, MA
Phone
+852 22554654
Email
amycheung114@ortho.hku.hk
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr Kenny Kwan, BMBCh (Oxon)
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr Jason Cheung, MBBS (HK)
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr Joanne Yip, PhD

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
No

Learn more about this trial

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Posture Correction Girdle for Adolescents With Early Scoliosis

We'll reach out to this number within 24 hrs