Wearable garment for spinal position monitoring

Abstract

A wearable garment comprises a garment body made of a deformable material and configured to cover at least a torso of a wearer, at least one interfacing member spanning part of a front portion and part of a back portion of the garment body and configured to limit a deformation of the garment body with movement of the torso, sensors distributed along the back portion of the garment body, the sensors connected to the at least one interfacing member and configured to generate sensor signals each indicative of the deformation of the garment body with movement of the torso, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the sensors, the computing device configured to receive the sensor signals from the sensors, to determine, based on the sensor signals, a position of a spine of the wearer, and to output an indication of the position of the spine.

Description

[0001] WEARABLE GARMENT FOR SPINAL POSITION MONITORING CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 709,687 filed on October 21 , 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0003] FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to devices for monitoring physical conditions, and more particularly to wearable garments and associated systems and methods for determining spinal position.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Scoliosis is a condition that affects numerous individuals and is often developed when growing up. A known issue with management of scoliosis is the difficulty to predict the rate of progression of the condition. Although several methods have been developed to diagnose and correct scoliosis, when the scoliosis is detected at a late stage of progression, the process of reversing the condition can be extremely painful for the patient. Continuous monitoring, which involves recurrent check-ups with a physician, is thus recommended for individuals susceptible to develop scoliosis. This can however prove impractical and time-consuming.

[0007] If scoliosis is detected early, the condition may be managed by making a patient wear a personalized prosthesis at all times. However, the use of prostheses is often limited to mild cases, whereas surgical interventions are required for severe cases. It is therefore desired to diagnose the signs of scoliosis early in order to avoid radical treatments. Accordingly, there remains a need for improvement.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a wearable garment for spinal position monitoring. The wearable garment comprises a garment body made of a deformable material, the garment body configured to cover at least a torso of a wearer, the garment body having a front portion and a back portion opposite the front portion, at least one interfacing member spanning part of the front portion and part of the back portion of the garment body, the at least one interfacing member configured to limit a deformation of the garment body with movement of the torso, a plurality of sensors distributed along the back portion of the garment body, the plurality of sensors connected to the at least one interfacing member and configured to generate a plurality of sensor signals each indicative of the deformation of the garment body with movement of the torso, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the plurality sensors, the computing device configured to receive the plurality of sensor signals from the plurality of sensors, to determine, based on the plurality of sensor signals, a position of a spine of the wearer, and to output an indication of the position of the spine.

[0010] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the garment body comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, where the upper portion is configured to span from a neck of the wearer to a waist of the wearer, and the lower portion is configured to span from the waist of the wearer to upper legs of the wearer. In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the at least one interfacing member comprises a first interfacing member provided on the upper portion of the garment body, and a second interfacing member and at least one third interfacing member provided on the bottom portion of the garment body.

[0011] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the first interfacing member is configured to cover the neck of the wearer and at least part of shoulders of the wearer, the second interfacing member is configured to circle the waist of the wearer, and the at least one third interfacing member is configured to extend from hips of the wearer to inner thighs of the wearer.

[0012] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the garment body is deformable along at least a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.

[0013] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the at least one interfacing member has compression properties for removing the deformation of the garment body along the vertical direction and for reducing the deformation of the garment body along the horizontal direction. In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the plurality of sensors are stitch-based sensors having an electrical resistance that changes with deformation of the garment body, and the sensor signals are indicative of the electrical resistance and the computing device is configured to determine the position of the spine based on the electrical resistance.

[0014] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the plurality of sensors comprises a pair of first sensors and pair of second sensor configured to be placed between shoulder plates of the wearer, a first one of the first sensors is configured to extend vertically along a spinal column of the wearer and a second one of the first sensors configured to extend horizontally across scapulae of the wearer, and a first one of the second sensors configured to extend from a left clavicle of the wearer to a bottom of a right scapula of the wearer and a second one of the second sensors configured to extend from a right clavicle of the wearerto a bottom of a left scapula of the wearer

[0015] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the plurality of sensors further comprises a pair of third sensors configured to be placed on opposite sides of the torso of the wearer, adjacent respective external oblique muscles of the wearer.

[0016] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the plurality of sensors further comprises a fourth sensor configured to extend along lumbar vertebrae of the wearer.

[0017] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the garment body comprises a plurality of yokes forming a plurality of channels, each channel configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of sensors therein.

[0018] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the computing device is communicatively coupled to the plurality sensors via electrical wiring woven into the at least one interfacing member.

[0019] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the computing device is configured to compute, based on the plurality of sensor signals, at least one parameter indicative of the position of the spine, the at least one parameter comprising a Cobb angle, a convex spinal curvature, a concave spinal curvature, and / or an inward lumbar spine curvature.

[0020] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the computing device is configured to perform a comparison between the at least one parameter and at least one threshold and to determine the position of the spine based on the comparison.

[0021] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the computing device is configured to output the indication of the position of the spine comprising generating a graphical user interface and rendering the at least one parameter on the graphical user interface.

[0022] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the computing device is configured to output the indication of the position of the spine comprising generating a graphical user interface and rendering, on the graphical user interface, a three-dimensional model of the spine generated based on the plurality of sensor signals.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a method for determining spinal position. The method comprises receiving, from a plurality of sensors distributed along a back portion of a garment worn on a torso of a wearer, a plurality of sensor signals each indicative of a deformation of the garment with movement of the torso, the plurality of sensors connected to at least one interfacing member provided on the garment to limit the deformation of the garment with movement of the torso, determining, based on the plurality of sensor signals, a position of a spine of the wearer, and outputting an indication of the position of the spine.

[0024] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the plurality of sensor signals are indicative of an electrical resistance of the plurality of sensors, the electrical resistance changing with deformation of the garment body, and the position of the spine is determined based on the electrical resistance.

[0025] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the method further comprises computing, based on the plurality of sensor signals, at least one parameter indicative of the position of the spine, the at least one parameter comprising a Cobb angle, a convex spinal curvature, a concave spinal curvature, and / or an inward lumbar spine curvature.

[0026] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, the method further comprises performing a comparison between the at least one parameter and at least one threshold, and the position of the spine is determined based on the comparison.

[0027] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, outputting the indication of the position of the spine comprises generating a graphical user interface and rendering the at least one parameter on the graphical user interface.

[0028] In at least some embodiments according to any one or more of the previous embodiments, outputting the indication of the position of the spine comprises generating a graphical user interface and rendering, on the graphical user interface, a three-dimensional model of the spine generated based on the plurality of sensor signals.

[0029] Many further features and combinations thereof concerning embodiments described herein will appear to those skilled in the art following a reading of the instant disclosure.

[0030] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] In the figures,

[0032] Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram of a system for determining spinal position, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0033] Fig. 1B is a schematic diagram of the sensor and the signal acquisition unit of Fig. 1A, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0034] Fig. 2A is a front view of the garment of the system of Fig. 1A, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0035] Fig. 2B is a back perspective view of the garment of the system of Fig. 1 A, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0036] Fig. 2C is a front view of the garment of the system of Fig. 1A showing the casing, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, and Fig. 3C illustrate a model of spine position generated by the output unit of Fig. 1 A, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0037] Fig. 3D and Fig. 3E illustrate a model of spine position generated by the output unit of Fig.

[0038] 1A, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 3F illustrates a model of spine position generated by the output unit of Fig. 1A, in accordance with yet another embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 4A is a graph showing a spine modelled using the system of Fig. 1A, in accordance with another illustrative embodiment;

[0041] Fig. 4B is a graph showing Cobb angles obtained for the modelled spine of Fig. 4A, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0042] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method for determining spinal position, in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0043] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a computing device, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[0044] It will be noticed that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] It is desirable to monitor spinal position in order to rapidly intervene when a specific health condition (e.g., scoliosis) progresses for a patient. While monitoring conditions such as scoliosis may require the use of uncomfortable devices involving large sensors, the device proposed herein may prove less bulky and more comfortable for the user, while providing precise measurements of a user’s spinal position in three dimensions (“3D”), as will be described further below.

[0047] Referring now to Fig. 1A, there is shown a schematic diagram of a system 10 for determining spinal position. The system 10 includes a garment 12 wearable by a user (also referred to herein as a “wearer”, the garment 12 comprising at least one interfacing member 14 (also referred to herein as an “interfacing”, “compression member”, or “compression panel”) secured (e.g., stitched) on the garment 12 to reinforce portions thereof. In some embodiments, the interfacing member 14 can be referred to as a “yoke”, which is a pattern piece that forms part of the garment 12, usually fitting around the wearer’s neck and shoulders or around the hips to provide support for looser parts of the garment. Sensors 16 are also integrated (e.g. embedded) into the garment 12, preferably distributed on the back of the garment 12. The sensors 16 are communicatively coupled to a processing device 18, which is configured for processing the readings acquired by the sensors 16 and for generating a model (e.g., a 3D model) of the user’s spine based on the sensor readings.

[0048] The garment 12 comprises a body (referred to herein as a “garment body”) made of a substrate (e.g., a piece of fabric) wearable by the user. The garment body is form-fitting and configured to tightly (i.e. snugly) fit to the user’s body in order to ensure that the displacement of the sensors 16 relative to the user’s body is minimized when the user is moving. In one embodiment, the garment 12 is made of a single deformable (i.e. resilient or flexible) substrate. Although the type of material used for the garment 12 may vary depending on the application, it will be appreciated that it is desirable for the substrate to be selected such that the garment 12 does not restrain the user’s movement when the garment 12 is worn. As such, it is desirable to use a stretchable fabric material that is at least deformable horizontally and vertically. In one embodiment, in order to improve the user’s comfort, the garment 12 is made of a material that is configured to be deformable in four (4) directions, namely the vertical (or straight-grain) direction (i.e. along the y axis of Fig. 2A), the horizontal (or cross-grain) direction (i.e. along the x axis of Fig. 2A), a first diagonal direction (at about 45 degrees to the x axis), and a second diagonal direction (at about 135 degrees to the x axis). It should however be understood that the garment 12 may be made of a material configured to be deformable in fewer dimensions. For example, in some embodiments, the garment material may be deformably in two (2) dimensions (e.g., vertical and horizonal) only.

[0049] Furthermore, the deformability of the garment 12 may be limited (e.g., in portions surrounding the sensors 16) to prevent displacement of the sensors 16. It will be appreciated that the deformability of the garment 12 may be selected as a trade-off between comfort and sensor accuracy. The degree of deformation may be varied across different portions of the garment 12, for instance by using the interfacing member 14 or different types of fabric. The garment material may be formed using any suitable weaving process and may include, but is not limited to, spandex, nylon, polyester, cotton blends, rayon blends, hemp blends, and other suitable fabrics or combinations of fabrics. In one embodiment, the garment material is a ribbed 1x1 knit made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, with the cotton being organic to make the garment 12 hypoallergenic, lightweight, and soft for added comfort and durability. Other embodiments may apply. In order to evaluate spine position, it is desirable for the garment 12 to be wearable over the user’s torso. However, the garment 12 may have any suitable shape. As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, the body of the garment 12 comprises an upper portion 20a, which is configured to be worn on (and thus circle and cover) the torso 22 of the userand comprises three openings (not shown) for allowing the user to insert their head 24 and arms 26 into the garment 12. When the garment 12 is worn, the upper portion 20a covers at least the body area spanning from the user’s shoulders 28 to the user’s waist 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion 20a of the garment 12 is not extended to fully cover the user’s arms 26 but stops at the user’s shoulders 28. It should however be understood that the upper portion 20a may have any suitable configuration and may cover part or the entirety of the user’s arms 26 (i.e. the garment 12 may or may not have sleeves).

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the garment 12 also covers at least part of the user’s neck 32 (forming a collar) to enable acquisition of sensor readings at the user’s cervical vertebrae (e.g., up to the C7 vertebra). It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, it is desirable for the garment 12 to reach the neck 32 in order to detect the presence of kyphosis (i.e. an excessive forward curve of the user’s spine). Anchoring the start of the thoracic sensor (i.e. the first sensor of the first pair of sensors 161 in Fig. 2B) at the cervical level (i.e. reference point Bi in Fig. 2B) allows the sensor to include all of the thoracic vertebrae in its stretch. From a sewing perspective, this prevents the placement of elements directly on and / or integrated into the garment’s neckline seam (i.e. the seam at the base of the neck 32), which could compromise the strength of the overall assembly. In addition, having a collar in the garment 12 may allows to place an Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) sensor to detect, during validation of the sensors 16, a misalignment of the user’s head from the user’s pelvis (e.g., caused by scoliosis).

[0051] The body of the garment 12 may also include a lower (or bottom) portion 20b extending from the upper portion 20a. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom portion 20b forms an integral part with the upper portion 20a, such that the garment 12 is shaped as a one-piece garment (also referred to herein as a “bodysuit”, a “catsuit” ora “unitard”). When the garment 12 is worn, the bottom portion 20b covers at least the body area spanning from the user’s waist 30 to the upper part of the user’s legs 36. In particular, the bottom portion 20b is configured to cover the user’s pelvic area, circling the waist 30 and covering the user’s hips 34 and at least the upper part of the user’s legs 36. The bottom portion 20b has, at an end thereof, opening(s) (not shown) configured to receive the user’s legs 36 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom portion 13b is split to cover both upper legs 36 separately, with two openings (not shown) being created each for receiving one of the legs 36. This allows to hold the garment 12 at the crotch, thus giving the garment 12 an anchor. The bottom portion 20b may have any suitable length so as to cover part or the entirety of the user’s legs 36.

[0052] While various configurations of the garment 12 may be contemplated, one embodiment of the garment 12 is a one-piece form-fitting garment with an interlocking member 38 provided on the front of the garment 12 (i.e. on a front portion of the garment body) to facilitate dressing, as shown in Fig. 2A. In this manner, the garment 12 can be worn by the user opening the interlocking member 38, inserting their legs 36 in the leg openings and their arms 26 in the arm openings, and closing the interlocking member 38 thereafter. In some embodiments, the interlocking member 28 is a zipper (as shown in Fig. 2A). In other embodiments, the interlocking member 28 comprises one or more buttons, hook and eye closures, or any other suitable attachment means. It may however be desirable for the interlocking member 28 to comprise a zipper since this may render the garment 12 easier to wear and sturdier than a garment 12 with buttons (more time consuming and fragile). Since the interlocking member 28 is generally not stretchable, it may be desirable for the interlocking member 28 to not reach the user’s waist 30, thereby maintaining the stretchability and elasticity of the front portion of the garment body. In some embodiments, the garment 12 is washable.

[0053] Still referring to Fig. 2A and 2B, the interfacing member 14 illustratively has compression properties and is generally provided (e.g., woven or ironed) on the portions of the garment 12 that are susceptible to move (i.e. to be displaced relative to the user’s body) when worn by the user. This in turn limits or prevents movement of the sensors 16 and thus ensures that the position of the sensors 16 remains substantially unchanged (or that the displacement of the sensors 16 is minimized) as the user wearing the garment 12 moves. In this manner, the sensor reading accuracy may be improved. It may be desirable for the interfacing member 14 to have a compression level between about 20 mmHg and about 30 mmHg. It should however be understood that the degree of compression may vary depending on the user (e.g., depending on the user’s age and body measurements) and on the user’s individual tolerance to compression.

[0054] The interfacing member 14 may have different degrees (or levels) of compression such that the stretchability and elasticity (or the tightening or rigidity) of the garment 12 at locations where the interfacing member 14 is provided may be varied. In some embodiments, different interfacing members as in 14 (having different compression properties) may be provided at different locations on the garment 12 in order to achieve different levels of (e.g., personalize) stretchability in the garment 12. For instance, an interfacing member as in 14 with higher compression properties may be provided so as to be positioned adjacent the wearer’s hips while an interfacing member as in 14 with lower compression properties may be provided so as to be positioned adjacent the wearer’s neck. In some embodiments, the stretchability of a portion of the garment 12 without the interfacing member 14 is about 60% to 90% under a load of about 55N, while the stretchability of a portion of the garment 12 having the interfacing member 14 stitched thereon is about 8% to 40% under the same load. The level of compression in different portions so the garment 12 may also be controlled by decreasing the size of the patterns (used to make the garment 12) according to stretch rate of the garment material. In this case, the garment 12 will remain flaccid when the garment material is in a stretching phase. The level of compression may also be adjusted by varying the positioning of the interfacing member 14. Other embodiments may apply.

[0055] In one embodiment, the interfacing member 14 is configured to remove the stretchability of the garment 12 vertically (along the y axis of Fig. 2A) and to reduce the stretchability horizontally (along the x axis of Fig. 2A) in order to tighten the garment 12 in selected areas of the user’s body. For this purpose, and as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, the interfacing member 14 illustratively comprises a first interfacing member 14a provided on the upper portion 20a of the garment 12 so as to circle (i.e. surround) the neck 32 and the shoulders 28 (e.g., extend from the shoulder 28 to the armpits 40 of the user) when the garment 12 is worn. The interfacing member 14 further comprises a second interfacing member 14b and at least one third interfacing member 14c provided on the bottom portion 20b of the garment 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the second and third interfacing members 14b, 14c are provided as strips. It should be understood that the second and third interfacing members 14b, 14c may be connected to one another. The second interfacing member 14b is configured to be positioned along (i.e. circle) the user’s waist 30 when the garment 12 is worn. In the illustrated embodiment, the garment 12 is designed to cover both legs 36 separately such that a pair of third interfacing members 14c are provided. Each third interfacing member 14c extends from the user’s hip 34 (i.e. the left or right hip, respectively), adjacent the second interfacing member 14b, to the user’s inner thigh portion adjacent the crotch area 42 (i.e. adjacent the user’s pelvic area). It will however be appreciated that the configuration of the garment 12, and thus the configuration and positioning of the interfacing member 14 on the garment 12, may vary according to the user’s body size, age, and sex.

[0056] The interfacing member 14 may be made of any suitable material(s) including, but not limited to, cotton, polyester, and fusible web. In some embodiments, the interfacing member 14 is a fusible (or iron-on) knit interfacing that bonds to the garment material with heat. The interfacing member 14 serves as an anchor on the user’s body (i.e. to hold the garment 12 in place relative to the user’s body as the garment body is deformed with movement of the user), while maintaining the stretchability and flexibility of the garment 12.

[0057] Referring now to Fig. 2B, there is shown a back perspective view of the garment 12, which illustrates the positioning of the sensors 16. It will be appreciated that placing the sensors 16 on the back of the garment 12 (i.e. on the back portion of the garment body) may be preferred, as the sensors 16, when so positioned, are closer to the spine of the user when the garment 12 is worn, thus yielding more accurate readings of the user’s spinal position. Furthermore, attaching the sensors 16 to the back of the garment 12 may improve the stability of the sensors 16 and reduce hindering for the user.

[0058] The sensors 16 may be attached to the garment 12 in any suitable manner (e.g., woven, stitched, embroided, or knitted), on the inner surface or the outer surface of the garment material. The sensors 16 may be removable. In some embodiments, one or more anchors (not shown) may be attached to the garment 12, and the sensors 16 may be coupled to a respective anchor. As shown in Fig. 2C, the garment 12 may indeed comprise one or more yokes 41 that form one or more channels or passages, also referred to as “casings” 43, in the garment 12. The yokes 41 are illustratively made of the same material as the garment 12. Each casing 43 is a hollow fold that is created by folding the yoke 41. Each casing 43 is configured to receive therein a given one of the sensors 16 (e.g., formed by stitching conductive yarn on base material, as described further below). In this manner, the sensors 16 may be inserted into the garment 12 (i.e. through the casings 43) without making contact with the user’s skin. In the illustrated embodiment, only the diagonal sensors (e.g., the second pair of sensors 162) are received in a respective casing 43, with the horizontal and vertical sensors 16 (e.g., the first pair of sensors I61, the third pair of sensors 163, and the fourth sensor 164) being embedded in the garment 12 (i.e. not provided in a casing 43). Fig. 2C further illustrates that the ends of sensors I61, 162 are secured to the first interfacing member 14a and the ends of sensors 163, 16 are secured to the second interfacing member 14b, with the ends of each sensor 162 protruding away from a respective casing 43.

[0059] It will be appreciated that placing the sensors 16 adjacent to the skin of the user may yield more reliable readings than placing the sensors 16 further away from the skin. Indeed, targeting a specific body part as well as deformation of the body part (which generates a smaller sensor signal variation than a movement of the body part) requires isolating the body part and positioning the sensors 16 as close as possible to the user’s body. The sensors 16 may also be placed in any suitable position on the garment 12, provided the positioning of the sensors 16 generates the readings necessary to monitor parameter(s) associated with the condition to be evaluated. For example, when scoliosis is monitored using the system 10, the sensors 16 may be positioned (e.g., as illustrated in Fig. 2B described further below) so as to acquire signals which can be used to estimate the Cobb angle (i.e. the angle between the two most rotated vertebrae) and its position (i.e. thoracic or lumbar), convex spinal curvature indicative of kyphosis, concave spinal curvature, inward curvature of the lumbar spine indicative of lordosis, detect a hump found at the shoulder blades (right or left), detect shoulder inclination (i.e. acromion level) and right or left shoulder protrusion in the sagittal plane, detect hip inclination, detect overall upper body asymmetry, and the like. While the configuration (i.e. positioning) of the sensors 16 may vary, it may be desirable for the sensors 16 to be placed on the garment 12 so as to cover areas of the back of the user spanning between the shoulders 28 and the hips 34. In some cases, the sensors 16 can be placed near the neck 32 of the user and / or near the coccyx (not shown).

[0060] As shown in Fig. 2B, in one embodiment, the sensors 16 are provided in the upper portion 20a of the garment 12. The sensors 16 may be provided in pairs. In some embodiments, two (2) sensors 16 are provided at each location on the garment 12, in order to provide measurement redundancy. This may prove useful in the event that a given one of the two (2) sensors is damaged (e.g., the given sensor’s conductive yarn is broken), where measurements may be acquired using the second one of the sensors 16.

[0061] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2B, the sensors 16 include a first pair of sensors 16i placed between the shoulder plates of the user in a first configuration (e.g., a cross “+” configuration). In particular, the first sensor of the first pair of sensors 16i extends vertically, along the direction Ai of the user’s spinal column (spanning the thoracic vertebrae), from reference point Bi to reference point B2. The second sensor of the first pair of sensors 161 extends horizontally, along a direction A2 extending across the user’s scapulae, from reference point Bs to reference point B4. It should be understood that, instead of a single first sensor and / or a single second sensor being provided as part of the first pair of sensors 161 (as shown in Fig. 2B), two first sensors and / or two second sensors may be provided. For instance, the second sensor of the first pair of sensors 161 may be split into a first sensor segment running from reference point Bsto a first intermediate reference point B3a, and a second sensor segment running from a second intermediate reference point Bsb (adjacent to the first intermediate reference point Bs)to reference point B4.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 16 further comprise a second pair of sensors 162 placed between the shoulder plates of the user in a second configuration (e.g., an “X” configuration). In particular, the first sensor of the second pair of sensors 162 extends along a direction A3, from a position adjacent the user’s left clavicle to a position adjacent the bottom of the user’s right scapula, i.e. from reference point Bsto reference point Be. The second sensor of the second pair of sensors 162 extends along a direction A4, from a position adjacent the user’s right clavicle to a position adjacent the bottom of the user’s left scapula, i.e. from reference point Bzto reference point Bs.

[0063] The sensors 16 further comprise a third pair of sensors 163 placed on opposite sides of the user’s torso (adjacent the respective external oblique muscles) and extending along respective directions As, i.e. from reference point Bs (which is illustratively positioned above reference point Bs) to reference point Bioforthe left side of the torso. The sensors 16 also comprise a fourth sensor 164 placed in the middle of the user’s lumbar region so as to extend along a direction As spanning the lumbar vertebrae, from reference point B11 (which is illustratively positioned below reference point B2) to reference point B12. In this manner, it may be possible to acquire independent information regarding kyphosis (using the first sensor of the first pair of sensors 161) and lordosis (using the sensor 164). The particular configuration ofthe sensors 16 of Fig. 2B is chosen to separate the signal between lumbar and thoracic sections of the spine and ensure acquisition of independent sensor readings (i.e. without the movement of some of the sensors 16 affecting remaining ones of the sensors 16).

[0064] It will be appreciated that the pattern of sensors 16 illustrated and described herein is chosen for monitoring scoliosis (e.g., adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or AIS). It should however be understood that scoliosis monitoring is one of many possible applications of the systems and methods described herein and other sensor configurations may therefore apply depending on the condition to be monitored. Other sensor configurations may for instance apply event in the context of monitoring scoliosis. For instance, the systems and methods described herein may be used to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA), with the sensors 16 forming a grid (or matrix) that would allow to obtain an X-ray of the morphological surface (e.g., the morphological surface topography or simply the shape) of the user’s body (without a corset or under a corset). Obtaining an X-ray using the garment 12 then allows to model and visualize the body surface. In some embodiments, the garment 12 may be used during monitoring of corset treatment, to obtain information on body shape in addition to the shape of the spine when the corset is worn. This would allow the treatment to be assessed individually and adjusted according to the specific case of each patient, as well as to the evolution of the deformity. The garment 12 may also be used during corset treatment to apply pressure at specific locations on the user’s upper body, using sensors as in 16 comprising pressure sensors.

[0065] Moreover, in addition to being used for scoliosis monitoring, the systems and methods described herein may be used to detect a tech neck condition, i.e. a musculoskeletal disorder caused by excessive use of smartphones, tablets, or other portable screen technology. The systems and methods described herein may also be used to detect kyphosis or lordosis that is independent of scoliosis, neck pain, back pain, or lower back pain. The systems and methods described herein may also be used to detect an abnormal change in breast volume for breast cancer prevention or in presence of a tumor. This may be achieved by positioning the sensors 16 around the user’s bust and at least around the user’s stomach and waist 30 to ensure the absence of weight gain. The systems and methods described herein may also be used in the context of respiratory pathologies (e.g., sleep apnea or acute respiratory failure) requiring monitoring of breathing rate or lung volume. The systems and methods described herein may further be used to monitor the progress of a pregnancy.

[0066] The sensors 16 may vary in type, configuration, and number. It will be appreciated that including a large number of sensors 16, for instance fifteen (15) or sixteen (16) sensors 16, may increase the precision of the sensor readings, while increasing the cost of the device and also hindering the user. A trade-off between comfort and sensor reading precision is thus sought. In some embodiments, the sensors 16 may include, but are not limited to, resistive strain sensors, capacitive strain sensors, piezoelectric strain sensors, optical fiber sensors, triboelectric sensors, and any combination thereof. The sensors 16 can also include IMUs, which are generally composed of accelerometers and gyroscopes. In one embodiment, the sensors 16 comprise textile-based sensors. As used herein, the term “textile-based sensors” refers to sensors configured to be integrated into textiles. Textile-based sensors may be made of fabric or metallic meshes coated with silver or conductive metal cores woven into the fabric. Stitch-based sensors, which are an example of textile-based sensors, may be embedded (e.g., stitched or otherwise deposited) in a material (e.g., a textile or fabric). As used herein, the term “stitch-based sensors” refers to flexible and wearable sensors which are made by stitching conductive yarn (e.g., silver-coated thread) onto a flexible base material to create a sensing element (i.e. the stitching itself acts as the sensing component). Stitch-based sensors have the ability to change the mechanical properties of the base material under stress or strain while maintaining flexibility and wearability of the base material. In one embodiment, the shape of a stitchbased sensor changes when the latter is stretched or pressured, causing a change in the sensor’s electrical resistance. For instance, stretching the substrate (i.e. the flexible base material) on which the sensor is stitched may result in an opening of the contacts between adjacent lengths of conductive thread. This may in turn increase the conductive path (by shifting resistive lengths from parallel to series) and decrease the cross-sectional area of the conductive path, thereby raising the sensor’s electrical resistance. It should be understood that, in cases where more conductive thread lies across the width of the substrate than along the stretch direction, the length of the conductive path compresses, reducing the sensor’s electrical resistance. The electrical resistance can then be measured, in the manner described further below, to determine parameter(s) indicative of the spinal position of the wearer. Stitch-based stretch sensors may be stitched (using any suitable stitch pattern or type, such as a zigzag stitch, a chain stitch, or the like) using any appropriate apparatus (e.g., a sewing machine) at appropriate locations on the garment 12 in order to detect deformation (i.e. stretch) of the garment 12 in real-time.

[0067] As mentioned above, the sensors 16 may be woven or knitted onto the garment 12 or attached to a sensor anchor that is woven or knitted onto the garment 12. It will be appreciated that the sensor anchors provide modularity to the sensors 16, which may be beneficial, e.g., for replacing broken sensors 16. In some cases, the sensors 16 and / or the sensor anchors are attached to the interfacing member 14.

[0068] Referring now to Fig. 1B in addition to Fig. 1A, in some embodiments, the sensors 16 may be connected to the processing device 18 via electrical wiring 44. The electrical wiring 44 may be woven into the fabric of the garment 12, which allows to achieve a compact assembly. In some embodiments, the electrical wires 44 are woven into the interfacing member 14, and a portion of each sensor 16 is connected to the electrical wires 44 through the interfacing member 14. The electrical wires 44 are preferably secured to the garment 12 so as to be free and of sufficient length to compensate for stretching of the garment material while reducing variability in sensor signal data. The electrical wires 44 may be made of a conductive thread insulated by thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The sensors 16 may be connected in series or in parallel. Furthermore, the sensors 16 may be connected to a multiplexer (not shown) configured for combining the sensor signals to generate a combined signal and for providing the combined signal to the processing device 18 for subsequent analysis (e.g., scoliosis monitoring).

[0069] The processing device 18 may be integrated with the garment 12, or external to the garment 12, with the processing device 18 being communicatively coupled to the sensors 16 using any suitable communication means. By way of example and not limitation, the processing device 18 may be communicatively coupled to the garment 12 and / or the sensors 16 via a communication interface (e.g., a network interface, not shown) configured to communicate data over a local-area-network (LAN), a wireless local-area-network (WLAN) such as WiFi™, a personal-area-network (PAN) such as Bluetooth™, a wide- area-network (WAN), an intranet, the Internet, a peer-to-peer network, a point-to-point network, a mesh network, and the like.

[0070] The processing device 18 may be connected to a server and a database for processing and storing data. The processing device 18 may include any suitable computing device such as Arduino™, Raspeberry Pi™, Micro:bit™ and the like. In some embodiments, the processing device 18 is powered by a power source (e.g., a battery pack), not shown, attached to the garment 12.

[0071] In one embodiment, the processing device 18 comprises a signal acquisition unit 102, a spinal position evaluation unit 104, and an output unit 106. Although the signal acquisition unit 102 is shown in Fig. 1 B as being part of the processing device 18, this is for illustrative purposes only and it should be understood that the signal acquisition unit 102 may be provided separately from the processing device 18. The signal acquisition unit 102 is communicatively coupled to the sensors 16 and is configured to receive the sensor signals therefrom. In one embodiment, the signal acquisition unit 102 comprises a current divider circuit 108 communicatively coupled to a data acquisition card 110. In some embodiments, the current divider circuit 108 may be implemented in a flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) embedded in the garment 12 (e.g. in a waterproof pouch) with a portable power source. The current divider circuit 108 is configured to convert the sensor signals (e.g., analog values received from the sensors 16 in real-time) to electrical resistance using a current divider formula. Indeed, for each sensor 16, the current divider circuit 108 divides the electrical current between the sensor’s conductive thread and a reference resistor (not shown), allowing measurement of the sensor’s electrical resistance by the data acquisition card 110.

[0072] The spinal position evaluation unit 104 is then configured to determine the position of the wearer’s spine based on the electrical resistance obtained from the signal acquisition unit 102. As previously noted, the sensor’s electrical resistance changes as a result of a change in the shape of the sensor 16 when the latter is stretched (e.g., due to the garment 12 being stretched with movement of the user’s torso). The sensor’s electrical resistance measurement is therefore indicative of deformation of the garment 12, which in turn provides an indication of the position of the spine of the wearer of the garment 12. The spinal position evaluation unit 104 is therefore configured to map the electrical resistance of the sensors 16 to garment deformation values, which are in turn used to determine the user’s spine position. In particular, the spinal position evaluation unit 104 is configured to compute one or more parameters (including, but not limited to, Cobb angle, convex spinal curvature, concave spinal curvature, and inward curvature of the lumbar spine) which are indicative of a position of the user’s spine.

[0073] The spinal position evaluation unit 104 is further configured to compare the one or more computed parameters to one or more reference parameters (e.g., retrieved from a memory or database the processing device 18 is connected to, or obtained during a calibration phase of the sensors 16, as described further below). This may involve comparing the computed parameter(s) to pre-determined threshold(s) to determine the spine position. For instance, the Cobb angle computed by the spinal position evaluation unit 104 may be compared to a first threshold of 20°, and to a second threshold of 40°. Indeed, as understood by those skilled in the art, the Cobb angle is a metric used by physicians to assess the degree of scoliosis in a patient, with the Cobb angles being the angles between two vertebrae which are the most rotated (i.e. with the maximum rotation). Generally, Cobb angles below 20° are representative of none to mild cases of scoliosis, Cobb angles between 20° and 40° are representative of moderate cases of scoliosis, and Cobb angles over 40° are representative of severe scoliosis. Based on the comparison, the spinal position evaluation unit 104 may determine whether the position of the user’s spine corresponds to a normal (i.e. neutral) position or an abnormal position indicative of a disorder (e.g., scoliosis) and / or evaluate the severity of the disorder as detected. Using the systems and methods described herein, multiple deviations of the spine can be observed, and patterns such as a “C-type” scoliosis (i.e., when a single deviation is observed) and an “S-type” scoliosis (i.e., when two consecutive and opposite deviations are observed) may be established.

[0074] The output unit 106 of the processing device 18 may be coupled to an output device (e.g., a screen or other display device, not shown) for outputting thereon analysis results (e.g., computed parameter(s)) obtained from the spine position evaluation unit 104. For instance, the output unit 106 may provide to the output device analysis results indicative of the degree of scoliosis determined based on the sensor signals received from the sensors 16. The analysis results may be output in any suitable manner. A cloud-based software for healthcare professionals ora mobile application (with different information for different garment users) may be used to provide the analysis results. In one embodiment, the analysis results are provided as a visual output. It should however be understood that, in some embodiments, the analysis results may be additionally provided as an audio output (e.g., via a speaker or the like) and / or a haptic output (e.g., vibrations).

[0075] In one embodiment, the processing device 18 is configured to monitor the user’s posture in real-time (based on the sensor signals), and to cause a graphical user interface (GUI) to be rendered on the output device for displaying data derived from the sensor signals and / or a model (e.g., a three-dimensional representation) that provides a real-time visualization of the user’s posture and / or spine position). The GUI may be generated by the output unit 106, based on the sensor signals acquired by the sensors 16.

[0076] In some embodiments, the processing device 18 may be configured to use one or more artificial intelligence (Al) and / or machine learning (ML) techniques to translate the sensor signals into a modelling of the user’s posture and / or spine position. Using an Al I ML model, more sensor signals may be computed simultaneously, which may allow to generate a visualization of the user’s posture and / or spine position that is closer to reality. During a training phase, a user may wear the garment 12 and sensor signals may be acquired as the user moves. The raw sensor data may be labelled simultaneously during data acquisition and pre-processed (e.g., to remove noise, address outliers, and / or perform segmentation to create individual data samples). From the entire set of sensor data collected, a random assignment may separate the sensor data into three (3) datasets used for training, testing, and validation of the model. The size of each of the three (3) datasets may vary depending on the size of the dataset. In one embodiment, 80% of the collected sensor data may be used fortraining, 10 % of the collected sensor data may be used for testing, an d10 % of the collected sensor data may be used for validation. The training data may then be fed to a neural network (a Convolutional Neural Network, a Recurrent Neural Network, or the like) fortraining the neural network to generate a model of the user’s spine based on the training data. In some embodiments, during the training phase, the results produced by the model may be compared to a dataset acquired simultaneously from commercial sensors (e.g., IMUs used as the sensors 16) and compared to x-rays from patient data assigned to the validation model. The dataset may be created in a clinical context with static posture and dynamic movements of patients with or without AIS. It will therefore be appreciated that the garment 12 may be used for motion capturing without video or photography. Once trained, the neural network may be used to process new sensor data (e.g., acquired during movement of a different user wearing the garment 12) and to generate a new spine model (for the new user) in real- time. It will be appreciated that the same garment 12 used in an everyday environment may create a dataset to help study an idiopathic pathology impacted by daily activities such as school period or vacations, sporting or entertainment activities, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, and as shown in Fig. 3A, 3B, and 3C, a GUI may show a 3D human silhouette 302 (e.g., an avatar) representative of the user. The avatar 302 may be generated based on user data (e.g., a description provided by the user and / or photos or videos of the user, captured in real-time, retrieved from memory, or previously provided to the processing device 18) so as to have similar physical characteristics (e.g., skin color, hair color, facial features) as the user. The avatar 302 illustratively has an upper body that moves in real-time to mimic the movement and posture of the user wearing the garment 12. In the illustrated example, the avatar 302 is progressively depicted as standing (see Fig. 3A), then as bending forward (see Fig. 3B) as the user performs Adam’s forward bending test in real-time. In one embodiment, the GUI superimposes a representation of the user’s joints 303 (i.e. connections between bones) on the avatar 302, allowing for visualization of the movement of the joints 303 in real-time as the user’s posture changes during the bending test. Using the GUI, visual evaluation of health conditions (e.g., scoliosis) may therefore be performed in real-time, as tests (e.g., Adam’s forward bending test) are performed by the user. Performance of the tests by the user wearing the garment 12 in turn allows to highlight potential disorders (e.g., a right hump in the example shown in Fig. 3C).

[0078] Fig. 3D and Fig. 3E illustrate another example GUI that may be generated by the output unit 106 to provide an indication of the location of the sensors (reference 16 in Fig. 1A). In the illustrated example, the GUI presents the avatar 302 with a longitudinal axis 304 superimposed thereon. The axis 304 extends vertically (i.e. along the y axis of the three-dimensional (x, y, z) coordinate system) through the avatar’s center of gravity. The GUI further superimposes a plurality of markers 306a (six (6) of which are shown in Fig. 3D and Fig. 3E) and a marker 306b on the avatar 302. In particular, the GUI displays a back view of the avatar 302 with the markers 306a, 306b positioned on the avatar’s back. The markers 306a allow for three degrees of freedom in rotation (i.e. allow to rotate the avatar 302 along the x, y, and z axes) while the marker 306b delimits the thoracic and lumbar region of the avatar’s spine. Fig. 3F illustrates yet another example GUI that may be generated by the output unit 106. In the illustrated example, the GUI displays a representation 308 of the user, where abstraction is made of the user’s body (i.e. the outer envelope including the skin, hair, garment 12, etc.) to only display a contour 310 (depicting the general shape of the user) and the joints 312 which highlight the position of the user’s shoulders, hips, spine, etc. It should however be understood that displaying the contour 310 may be optional and the GUI may, in some embodiments, only display the joints 312 as an indication of the deformation of the garment 12. It should be further understood that the GUI may be used to display any other information that may be relevant to evaluate the position of the user’s spine. As such, other embodiments may apply.

[0079] Now referring to Fig. 4A, there is shown a graph 400 of a modelled spine of a user wearing a garment (reference 12 in Fig. 1 A), as obtained using the system 10 of Fig. 1 A. The graph 400 may be generated by the spinal position evaluation unit (reference 104 in Fig. 1A) and rendered by the output unit (reference 106 in Fig. 1A) via the GUI described herein above. Each point 402 on the graph 400 represents the 3D coordinate associated with a given position on the user’s spine. The 3D coordinates may correspond to the actual physical position of a sensor (reference 16 in Fig. 1 A), or to the position of a virtual point on the spine obtained by processing the data received from the sensors. The positions on the spine, as shown in Fig. 4A (i.e. the points 402), span from above the user’s shoulders to below the user’s hips. In some embodiments, each point 402 on the graph 400 corresponds to the location of a vertebra of the user.

[0080] As shown in the graph 400, the dotted line 404 represents a theoretical spine with no deviation, and the points 402 forming line 406 are representative of the modelled spine (obtained using the system 10), exhibiting a left deviation and / or a right deviation, or no deviation. In the embodiment of Fig. 4A, line 406 indicates that the user’s garment 12 was pulled to the right due a right deviation of the user’s spine. While the graph 400 is presented in two dimensions (“2D”), it will be appreciated that the outcome of the analysis performed using the system 10 may be provided in 3D (e.g., using the GUI described herein above).

[0081] Fig. 4B is a graph 410 showing processed Cobb angles forthe spine modelled in the graph 400 of Fig. 4A. The graph 410 may be generated by the spinal position evaluation unit (reference 104 in Fig. 1A) and rendered by the output unit (reference 106 in Fig. 1A) via the GUI described herein above. As can be seen from Fig. 4B, a first deviation of 22° spanning multiple vertebrae is observed on one (e.g., left) side of the spine, and two second, smaller (16° and 20°), deviations spanning fewer vertebrae are observed on the other (e.g., right) side of the spine, before and afterthe first deviation. This type of scoliosis may be attributed to a moderate “C-type” scoliosis.

[0082] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a computer-implemented method 500 for determining spinal position. The method 500 may be implemented using the system 10 of Fig. 1A.

[0083] In some embodiments, following start, the method 500 may include an optional calibration step 502 to calibrate each sensor 16 provided on the garment 12 of Fig. 1A by acquiring reference signal(s) from each sensor 16 (e.g., for different body types and sizes) during deformation of the garment 12. In particular, during the calibration step 502, each sensor 16 may be calibrated by associating signals) acquired by the sensor 16 with a corresponding deformation of the garment 12. The calibration step 502 may be performed by applying the sensor signals as initial points while simultaneously stretching the sensors 16 on a symmetrical mannequin with measurements corresponding to pre-determined clothing sizes. The mannequin may be custom-ordered or custom-made using a 3D printer. The signal of the sensors 16 in the predetermined position may be normalized. Thus, in operation, the amplitude of the variation of the sensor signal may be correlated with a 3D variation of the sensor position. In some embodiments, the user’s breathing may be measured and modelled using, for instance, a machine learning model, so that the movement caused by such breathing may be removed from the final results.

[0084] At step 504, the processing device 18 receives from the sensors 16 (optionally calibrated during step 502) a plurality of sensor signals, each sensor signal indicative of a deformation of the garment 12 with movement of the user’s torso.

[0085] At step 506, the processing device 18 determines, based on the plurality of sensor signals, a position of the user’s spine. The position of the spine may be determined at step 506 based on the electrical resistance of the sensors, the electrical resistance changing with deformation of the garment body, as described herein above. The position of the spine may also be determined at step 506 by computing, based on the sensor signals, one or more parameters indicative of the position of the user’s spine (e.g., a Cobb angle, a convex spinal curvature, a concave spinal curvature, and / or an inward lumbar spine curvature, as described herein above). Step 506 may involve comparing the parameter(s) to threshold(s) in order to determine the spinal position. At step 508, the processing device 18 outputs an indication of the position of the spine, as determined at step 506, on an output device. Step 508 may entail displaying the one or more parameters as computed at step 504 (e.g. outputting an indication of the degree of scoliosis determined at step 506) on a display device coupled to the processing device 18 (e.g. via a GUI rendered on the display device). Step 508 may also entail displaying (via the GUI rendered on the display device) a 3D model of the spine generated based on the sensor signals received at step 504. The display device may be, for instance, a computer screen (e.g., the screen of a laptop ordesktop computer), orthe screen of a phone, tablet, or other mobile device in communication (or integrated) with the processing device 18. It should be understood that the output device may alternatively or additionally comprise an audio output device or any other suitable device.

[0086] In some embodiments, as part of step 508, the processing device 18 may be configured for triggering alerts based on the assessment performed at step 506. For example, alerts may be triggered (e.g., by outputting a corresponding indication on the display device) upon detecting that the computed parameters have reached or exceeded predetermined values (e.g., a Cobb angle being above a given threshold) and / or detecting given types of abnormal conditions (e.g., C-type scoliosis).

[0087] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a computing device 600 for determining spinal position. The device 600 may be used to implement one or more components of the system 10 (e.g., the processing device 18) and / or the steps of the method 500. As depicted, computing device 600 includes at least one processor 602, memory 604, at least one I / O interface 606, and at least one network interface 608.

[0088] Each processor 602 may be, for example, a microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, an integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a reconfigurable processor, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), or combinations thereof.

[0089] Memory 604 may include a suitable combination of any type of computer memory that is located either internally or externally such as, for example, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) or the like.

[0090] Each I / O interface 606 enables computing device 600 to interconnect with one or more input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, camera, touch screen and a microphone, or with one or more output devices such as a display screen and a speaker.

[0091] Each network interface 608 enables computing device 600 to communicate with other components, to exchange data with other components, to access and connect to network resources, to serve applications, and perform other computing applications by connecting to a network (or multiple networks) capable of carrying data.

[0092] Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the scope as defined by the appended claims.

[0093] Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only. The scope is indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A wearable garment for spinal position monitoring, the wearable garment comprising:a garment body made of a deformable material, the garment body configured to cover at least a torso of a wearer, the garment body having a front portion and a back portion opposite the front portion;at least one interfacing member spanning part of the front portion and part of the back portion of the garment body, the at least one interfacing member configured to limit a deformation of the garment body with movement of the torso;a plurality of sensors distributed along the back portion of the garment body, the plurality of sensors connected to the at least one interfacing member and configured to generate a plurality of sensor signals each indicative of the deformation of the garment body with movement of the torso; anda computing device communicatively coupled to the plurality sensors, the computing device configured to receive the plurality of sensor signals from the plurality of sensors, to determine, based on the plurality of sensor signals, a position of a spine of the wearer, and to output an indication of the position of the spine.

2. The wearable garment of claim 1 , wherein the garment body comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, further wherein the upper portion is configured to span from a neck of the wearer to a waist of the wearer, and the lower portion is configured to span from the waist of the wearer to upper legs of the wearer.

3. The wearable garment of claim 2, wherein the at least one interfacing member comprises a first interfacing member provided on the upper portion of the garment body, and a second interfacing member and at least one third interfacing member provided on the bottom portion of the garment body.

4. The wearable garment of claim 3, wherein the first interfacing member is configured to cover the neck of the wearer and at least part of shoulders of the wearer, the second interfacing member is configured to circle the waist of the wearer, and the at least one third interfacing member is configured to extend from hips of the wearer to inner thighs of the wearer.

5. The wearable garment of claim 1 , wherein the garment body is deformable along at least a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.

6. The wearable garment of claim 5, wherein the at least one interfacing member has compression properties for removing the deformation of the garment body along the vertical direction and for reducing the deformation of the garment body along the horizontal direction.

7. The wearable garment of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors are stitch-based sensors having an electrical resistance that changes with deformation of the garment body, further wherein the sensor signals are indicative of the electrical resistance and the computing device is configured to determine the position of the spine based on the electrical resistance.

8. The wearable garment of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a pair of first sensors and pair of second sensor configured to be placed between shoulder plates of the wearer, further wherein a first one of the first sensors is configured to extend vertically along a spinal column of the wearer and a second one of the first sensors configured to extend horizontally across scapulae of the wearer, and a first one of the second sensors configured to extend from a left clavicle of the wearer to a bottom of a right scapula of the wearer, and a second one of the second sensors configured to extend from a right clavicle of the wearer to a bottom of a left scapula of the wearer.

9. The wearable garment of claim 8, wherein the plurality of sensors further comprises a pair of third sensors configured to be placed on opposite sides of the torso of the wearer, adjacent respective external oblique muscles of the wearer.

10. The wearable garment of claim 9, wherein the plurality of sensors further comprises a fourth sensor configured to extend along lumbar vertebrae of the wearer.

11. The wearable garment of claim 1 , wherein the garment body comprises a plurality of yokes forming a plurality of channels, each channel configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of sensors therein.

12. The wearable garment of claim 1 , wherein the computing device is communicatively coupled to the plurality sensors via electrical wiring woven into the at least one interfacing member.

13. The wearable garment of claim 1 , wherein the computing device is configured to compute, based on the plurality of sensor signals, at least one parameter indicative of the position of the spine, the at least one parameter comprising a Cobb angle, a convexspinal curvature, a concave spinal curvature, and / or an inward lumbar spine curvature.

14. The wearable garment of claim 13, wherein the computing device is configured to perform a comparison between the at least one parameter and at least one threshold and to determine the position of the spine based on the comparison.

15. The wearable garment of claim 13, wherein the computing device is configured to output the indication of the position of the spine comprising generating a graphical user interface and rendering the at least one parameter on the graphical user interface.

16. The wearable garment of claim 1 , wherein the computing device is configured to output the indication of the position of the spine comprising generating a graphical user interface and rendering, on the graphical user interface, a three-dimensional model of the spine generated based on the plurality of sensor signals.

17. A method for determining spinal position, the method comprising:receiving, from a plurality of sensors distributed along a back portion of a garment worn on a torso of a wearer, a plurality of sensor signals each indicative of a deformation of the garment with movement of the torso, the plurality of sensors connected to at least one interfacing member provided on the garment to limit the deformation of the garment with movement of the torso;determining, based on the plurality of sensor signals, a position of a spine of the wearer; andoutputting an indication of the position of the spine.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of sensor signals are indicative of an electrical resistance of the plurality of sensors, the electrical resistance changing withdeformation of the garment body, further wherein the position of the spine is determined based on the electrical resistance.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising computing, based on the plurality of sensor signals, at least one parameter indicative of the position of the spine, the at least one parameter comprising a Cobb angle, a convex spinal curvature, a concave spinal curvature, and / or an inward lumbar spine curvature.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising performing a comparison between the at least one parameter and at least one threshold, wherein the position of the spine is determined based on the comparison.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein outputting the indication of the position of the spine comprises generating a graphical user interface and rendering the at least one parameter on the graphical user interface.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein outputting the indication of the position of the spine comprises generating a graphical user interface and rendering, on the graphical user interface, a three-dimensional model of the spine generated based on the plurality of sensor signals.

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