Ronsky, JanetBugajski, Tomasz2017-06-212017-06-2120172017Bugajski, T. (2017). Bracing of Pectus Carinatum: A Quantitative Analysis (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/25159http://hdl.handle.net/11023/3897Pectus Carinatum (PC) presents as an overgrowth of costal cartilages resulting in a sternal protrusion. Treatment of PC is performed with a pectus carinatum orthosis (PCO) that compresses the protrusion. Injuries may arise when this PCO is over-tightened. For the first time, a force measurement system (FMS) was constructed that measured PCO forces. The purpose of this study was to determine if participants could accurately attain their clinically prescribed force (CF) over time, and if the protrusion stiffness (PS) influences the participant-applied forces (PF) and correction rate (CR). Results demonstrated that most PFs (75%) exceeded their associated CF (0.46-5.01 lbs). Further investigation is required to determine clinical significance. PS had a positive relationship with PF, but no relationship with CR. Future studies focusing on improved displacement measurements would enhance the ability to quantify PS. Developing a FMS to provide real-time feedback should also be considered to improve PCO efficacy.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Engineering--BiomedicalPectusBracingForcesOrthoticsProtrusionStiffnessCarinatumQuantitativemaster thesishttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/25159