After optimizing the brace design, the investigators will collect patient feedback about
the design from currently braced participants. Once a participant enrolls in the study,
the 3D printed brace will be made using the exact same shape as their current brace. The
standard fabrication process includes the following:
Certified orthotist completes a full evaluation
Taking a scan of the patient's body
Modifying, or editing, the patient's body shape using Computer-Aided-Design and
applying corrective pressures against the apex of the scoliotic curve
Carving a positive foam model of the modified shape and thermoforming the
polypropylene plastic over the positive foam model
These steps were already completed to make the participant's current brace, which has
been deemed acceptable by their medical team, including the PI and Dr. Timothy Borden. To
reduce the number of variables present, the 3D printed brace will be made using the exact
same shape as their current brace. The only difference is the fabrication technique (step
4). Instead of carving a foam mode and thermoforming, the exact brace shape will be
directly 3D printed. Therefore, no additional x-rays, scans, or measurements are required
from the participants. The standard fabrication process and research activities are
outlined in attachment titled "Fabrication Process Outline."
Once the 3D printed brace has been fabricated, the participant will come in to be fit
with the brace. A standard fitting involves trimming the brace, adding straps, heating
and flaring to improve comfort, and potentially adding padding. The PI is a scoliosis
bracing specialist and will be the lead orthotist during the fitting process to ensure
that best practices are followed.
Following the fitting, the participant will provide test out the 3D printed brace for
comfort by performing a series of tasks. The activities will include the following:
sitting in a chair, picking an item up from the floor while standing, picking an item up
from the floor while sitting, stepping onto a stool, jogging in place for 10s, performing
the hula hoop Wii-fit game, lying down on an exam table, and donning shoes. All data
collection will take place via the survey platform Qualtrics.
If the participants feel comfortable in the brace and pass a skin check, the participants
will then take the brace home and wear it for 1 week. They will return for the 1-week
follow-up appointment and complete the study at this time. They will provide feedback
about the 3D printed brace through a semi-structured interview (recorded using BCM Zoom
Platform) and complete a survey (Qualtrics). They will return the brace, marking the end
of the study.
Total duration of study participation ranges from 2 weeks - 6 weeks. The time commitment
required from the participant is no more than 8 hours. The timelines are outlined below:
Participant enrollment during appointment at Align Clinic (complete consent forms,
demographic survey, baseline testing). Study-related activities will take
approximately 30-60 minutes
3D printed brace fabrication. Nothing required of participants. Fabrication will
take roughly 1-4 weeks
Brace fitting. Participant will come to the office to be fit with the 3D-printed
brace. Fitting will take roughly 1-4 hours
Activity series in 3D printed brace. Will occur on the same day as the fitting.
Testing will take approximately 30 minutes
Follow-up appointment one week after the fitting. 3D printed brace is returned,
marking the end of the study. Study activities (semi-structured interview, survey)
will take 30-60 minutes.
Standard of care will be maintained throughout the study. The only activities outside of
the standard of care are the semi-structured interview, study surveys, and performance of
tasks. While the goal of the study is to elevate the 3D printed materials, the
investigators will still be following the standard of care for 3D printing.