Digitally Assisted Training System for Home-Based Scoliosis Therapy: Proof-of-Concept and Technical Verification Study.
6 affiliations
- 1Functionalization Technologies, Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU), Nöthnitzer Straße 44, Dresden, 01187, Germany, 49 351 4772-2160.
- 2Department of Orthopaedic, Hospital of Orthopaedic Surgery, Traumatology and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
- 3Acoustical Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU), Dresden, Germany.
- 4Fuzz Tech IT Solutions GmbH, Leipzig, Germany.
- 5Professorship Adaptronics and Lightweight Design, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany.
- 6Scientific Field Functional and System Integration, Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU), Dresden, Germany.
Abstract
Background
Schroth therapy is one of the conservative methods used to treat scoliosis. It includes not only therapeutic exercises in physiotherapy facilities but also concepts for independent training at home. Consistent and correct performance of this training has a major impact on the success of the therapy. However, without guidance and supervision by a therapist, patient motivation may decline. In addition, incorrect training techniques may be used, which can have a negative impact on the success of the therapy.Objective
This study aimed to develop a digitally assisted training system for home-based scoliosis therapy and to verify it technically on a laboratory scale.Methods
On the basis of training devices used in Schroth therapy, such as mirrors, balance boards, wall bars, and exercise sticks, we developed a concept for a modular, digitally assisted scoliosis training system (iScoolio). The development process included a requirements specification, iterative design drafts, and the transfer of the concepts into a functional demonstrator. Finally, a theoretical evaluation of the use cases and a technical verification of the measurement functions were carried out using specifically developed test scenarios.Results
A demonstrator with tracking, training, and modification functions was developed, consisting of 4 modules. Technical verification of the integrated measurement functions showed that the angle measurement in motion tracking (n=50) had a mean deviation of 2.29° (SD 1.66°) compared to the ARAMIS 3D optical reference system. Respiration tracking enabled the detection of all simulated respiratory cycles (n=40) and the significant distinction between shallow and deep breathing (t₃₉=-27.4; P<.001). The investigation of the 2 force sensor concepts in the handles (χ²₂=80.0; P<.001) and supporting feet (χ²₂=50.0; P<.001) showed a significant differentiation between 3 force levels, but approximately linear drift behavior in each case. When tracking the stance width (n=50), the mean value was 15.4 (SD 0.54) cm. Verification of the center of pressure measurement function (n=50) showed that 48% of the measurements had a deviation of ≤10 mm, and 82% of the measurements had a deviation of ≤20 mm.Conclusions
In this paper, we have presented the iScoolio concept, which has the potential to support home-based scoliosis therapy through adaptable devices and tracking elements. Integrated sensors enable monitoring of movements, breathing, forces, and pressure distribution during training. An associated web application visualizes the recorded data and serves as a guide for performing the exercises. Technical verification indicates that the integrated tracking methods are functional; however, there is still room for optimization in terms of hardware and software. Further validation is required before conducting clinical trials under real-world conditions.
Related
- Initial screening positivity for suspected scoliosis and machine learning-assisted risk prioritization: a school-based cross-sectional study in Wuhai, Inner Mongolia, China
- Anchored Drill-Assisted Localization for Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Keyhole Surgery in the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy: A Technical Report and Preliminary Efficacy Evaluation
- Building CauterClay, a low-cost, high-fidelity training model for nasal cautery: a technical report
- A novel and simple Inflation-deflation method with inflated targeted segments for confirming the intersegmental border under video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a technical note.
- Navigated robotic-arm-assisted hybrid multi-portal endoscopic fenestration of a thoracic intradural arachnoid cyst: a technical case report
BibTeX
@article{gunther2026digitally,
title = {{Digitally Assisted Training System for Home-Based Scoliosis Therapy: Proof-of-Concept and Technical Verification Study.}},
author = {Florian Günther and Sandra Hunger and Michael Werner and Nikolaus Landerer and Christoph-Eckhard Heyde and Welf-Guntram Drossel},
journal = {JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologies},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.2196/93721},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42955054},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Digitally Assisted Training System for Home-Based Scoliosis Therapy: Proof-of-Concept and Technical Verification Study.
AU - Florian Günther
AU - Sandra Hunger
AU - Michael Werner
AU - Nikolaus Landerer
AU - Christoph-Eckhard Heyde
AU - Welf-Guntram Drossel
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/29
JO - JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologies
DO - 10.2196/93721
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42955054
AB - Background Schroth therapy is one of the conservative methods used to treat scoliosis. It includes not only therapeutic exercises in physiotherapy facilities but also concepts for independent training at home. Consistent and correct performance of this training has a major impact on the success of the therapy. However, without guidance and supervision by a therapist, patient motivation may decline. In addition, incorrect training techniques may be used, which can have a negative impact on the success of the therapy.Objective This study aimed to develop a digitally assisted training system for home-based scoliosis therapy and to verify it technically on a laboratory scale.Methods On the basis of training devices used in Schroth therapy, such as mirrors, balance boards, wall bars, and exercise sticks, we developed a concept for a modular, digitally assisted scoliosis training system (iScoolio). The development process included a requirements specification, iterative design drafts, and the transfer of the concepts into a functional demonstrator. Finally, a theoretical evaluation of the use cases and a technical verification of the measurement functions were carried out using specifically developed test scenarios.Results A demonstrator with tracking, training, and modification functions was developed, consisting of 4 modules. Technical verification of the integrated measurement functions showed that the angle measurement in motion tracking (n=50) had a mean deviation of 2.29° (SD 1.66°) compared to the ARAMIS 3D optical reference system. Respiration tracking enabled the detection of all simulated respiratory cycles (n=40) and the significant distinction between shallow and deep breathing (t₃₉=-27.4; P<.001). The investigation of the 2 force sensor concepts in the handles (χ²₂=80.0; P<.001) and supporting feet (χ²₂=50.0; P<.001) showed a significant differentiation between 3 force levels, but approximately linear drift behavior in each case. When tracking the stance width (n=50), the mean value was 15.4 (SD 0.54) cm. Verification of the center of pressure measurement function (n=50) showed that 48% of the measurements had a deviation of ≤10 mm, and 82% of the measurements had a deviation of ≤20 mm.Conclusions In this paper, we have presented the iScoolio concept, which has the potential to support home-based scoliosis therapy through adaptable devices and tracking elements. Integrated sensors enable monitoring of movements, breathing, forces, and pressure distribution during training. An associated web application visualizes the recorded data and serves as a guide for performing the exercises. Technical verification indicates that the integrated tracking methods are functional; however, there is still room for optimization in terms of hardware and software. Further validation is required before conducting clinical trials under real-world conditions.
SN - 2369-2529
ER -