The Optimal Anatomical Position and Threshold Temperature of a Temperature Data Logger for Brace-Wearing Compliance in Patients with Scoliosis

Abstract

Introduction: Although strict compliance with brace wearing is important for patients with scoliosis, no study has analyzed the most ideal conditions for temperature logger accuracy. We evaluated the optimal brace position and threshold temperature for the logger and determined the reliability of its measurements in patients with scoliosis.Methods: Five temperature loggers were embedded into holes generated at five different brace positions (right scapula, right chest, left chest, lumbar, and abdomen) within the brace. We compared measurement errors at each position using different threshold temperatures to determine the ideal anatomical position and threshold temperature. Under the ideal conditions determined, we calculated the reliability of the temperature logger readings in three healthy participants. Results: Measurement errors (i.e., differences between the actual and logger-recorded brace wearing times) were the lowest at the 28°C and 30°C threshold temperatures when the logger was positioned at the left chest and at 30°C at the abdomen. Among these three temperature/position combinations, we considered the abdomen to be the least affected by the shape of the brace; thus, the placement of the temperature logger at the abdomen using a threshold temperature of 30°C was the most ideal condition. Conclusions:The placement of the temperature logger at the abdomen using a threshold temperature of 30°C was the most ideal condition, with the reliability of the logger being 97.9% ± 70.9%. This information might be useful for scoliosis management teams, and this temperature logger provides a valuable clinical tool.

Impact of Brace-Related Stress on Brace Compliance in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Single-Center Comparative Study Using Objective Compliance Measurement and Brace-Related Stress

“…To our knowledge, no previous report has investigated seasonal differences in-brace compliance using objective methods. An in-brace temperature logger was accurate enough to measure brace compliance, even in the summer 12) . Based on our results, the seasons in which we prescribed the braces did not impact compliance, especially in the first month of prescription, but this was not conclusive.…”

“…Then we calculated the in-brace correction using the following formula: We also recorded the Cobb angle without braces at the last follow-up visit after more than one year. We used an in-brace thermometer (Thermochron G, KN Laboratories, Inc., Osaka, Japan) as an objective monitoring tool for brace-wearing; the threshold temperature was 30°C 12) . The in-brace thermometer logged the date, time, and in-brace temperature every 30 min for 42 days, and the electrical data of date, time, and the in-brace temperature was saved through genuine software (ThermoManager, KN Laboratories, Inc., Osaka, Japan).…”