| Abstract ID |
| 20260040 |
| Category |
| Shoulder: Rotator Cuff |
| Preferable Presentation |
| Oral Presentation |
| Title |
| DEVELOPMENT OF SHOULDER ABDUCTION BRACE FOR USE IN PATIENTS AFTER SURGICAL REPAIR OF ROTATOR CUFF TENDONS |
| Author |
|
| Presenter |
| Chadsadakorn rattanamaneechot |
| Abstract |
| Background Postoperative immobilization in a shoulder abduction position is widely recommended after rotator cuff repair to protect the repair and promote tendon healing. However, conventional shoulder abduction braces are frequently associated with hygiene concerns, heat retention, sleep-related discomfort, and difficulty with donning and doffing, which may negatively affect patient compliance, particularly in hot and humid environments. These limitations highlight the need for improved brace designs that better address usability and comfort while maintaining appropriate biomechanical support. Objectives To evaluate the usability of a newly developed shoulder abduction brace intended for postoperative use after rotator cuff repair, with emphasis on wearing comfort, hygiene-related usability, ease of donning, sleep-related discomfort, and user-reported problems during prolonged daily use. Study Design & Methods This pilot experimental usability study enrolled six healthy volunteers. Simple randomization was used to assign brace application to the left or right shoulder. Participants were instructed to wear the brace for at least 16 hours per day over a six-week period to simulate postoperative immobilization. The brace was fabricated using water-resistant and bacteria-resistant materials, with breathable cotton components to reduce moisture accumulation and improve comfort. Assessments were conducted at baseline, Week 3, and Week 6 using structured questionnaires and daily wearing logs documenting wearing time, brace removal, encountered problems, and reasons for removal. Results Five participants were included in the final analysis. Sleep-related discomfort was reported by all participants during the first three weeks and was mainly related to the triangular axillary support component required to maintain shoulder abduction, which interfered with comfortable sleeping positions; by Week 6, 60% reported improvement. All participants initially reported difficulty donning the brace and required assistance; after six weeks, 40% were able to don the brace independently. Heat-related experiences were generally rated as acceptable. Most participants reported tolerable thermal comfort during daily use, although one participant noted increased warmth and perspiration with prolonged wear. Hygiene-related usability was generally rated as good to very good. The brace was consistently described as easy to clean and maintain, and participants generally reported minimal odor accumulation during prolonged wear. Conclusions The newly developed shoulder abduction brace demonstrated favorable hygiene-related usability and acceptable thermal comfort during prolonged use. However, persistent challenges related to sleep-related discomfort and difficulty with donning indicate that further design refinement—particularly of the triangular axillary support structure—is required to improve overall comfort and usability before clinical application. |