Thoracic kyphosis alert system

摘要

Kyphosis is the clinical term used to describe abnormal curvature in the thoracic spine. Postural kyphosis is the result of poor posture. Adolescents and young adults often suffer from this condition as they slouch when standing or sitting, causing the spine to curve forward. Physical therapists often instruct their patients to sit and stand upright or to use ergonomically designed sitting environment. Spinal braces are sometimes prescribed to provide some pain relief and to prevent slouching postures. Braces are often not comfortable and prevent full spinal motion. This study proposes a new device to alert the user in the case of hyper-kyphosis for prolonged periods. The device is composed of a stretch sensor attached to a tight body shirt and a microcontroller. Attempts were made to construct a stretch sensor. Many unsuccessful efforts were made to make a conductive latex rubber band by infusing it with graphene nano-sheets. The stretch sensor used was made form a woven elastic band saturated with graphite. As the band stretches with increased kyphosis its electric resistance increases. The microcontroller monitors the hyper-kyphosis by monitoring the resistance of the band and generates a vibration alarm if the undesirable position is maintained for over 15 seconds. The new device triggers the user's own will and consciousness to avoid bad postures and willingly try to attain and fix the problem.