Scoliosis (pronounced skow-lee-ow-suhs) is a condition where the spine curves. It is diagnosed when the curve surpasses 10 degrees. Scoliosis can affect people of all ages but is known to be most common between the ages of 10-15 years also known as the years of adolescence. This is why early diagnosis is key and getting bracing treatment early on. If diagnosed too late the only treatment option may be surgery.

MiOra supported four North Carolina high school students who were apart of the Scholars in STEM (SiSTEM) program in conducting a small hands-on scoliosis research project. MiOra provided the students with an educational curriculum to provide them with sufficient knowledge on scoliosis and being able to identify the physical signs associated with scoliosis. 

The students went into their community and collected basic data by surveying members of their local community and doing simple evaluations. The students presented their project at their local high’s STEM Sprint Week event. From this project from a sample size of 45 people interviewed, the students potentially identified 5 people who showed strong signs of undiagnosed scoliosis.

These projects provide students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning while also allowing them to interact with and educate their surrounding community leading to an increase in awareness in both groups. By allowing students to engage in hands-on STEM research projects early on in their education, it increases their desires to continue pursuing careers in STEM and well-prepares them for it as well.