Scoliotrack FAQ

ScolioTrack is a safe and innovative way to track a person’s scoliosis condition month-to-month by using the iPhone accelerometer just as a doctor would with a scoliometer. It also tracks a person’s height, weight and postural assessment as well making it the most comprehensive scoliosis tracking software in the world.

Scoliosis was originally a Greek word meaning curved or bent. Today it is a word used to describe the most common type of spinal curvature. Scoliosis is simply a descriptive term, like headache, and not a precise diagnosis.
When a scoliosis develops the spine bends sideways and rotates along its vertical axis. These changes have cosmetic and physiological effects with long-term consequences which may result in significant health problems with severe curves.

An Scoliometer measures distortions of the torso. The patient is asked to bend over, with arms dangling and palms pressed together, until a curve can be observed in the thoracic area (the upper back). The Scoliometer is placed on the back and used to measure the apex (the highest point) of the curve. The patient is then asked to continue bending until the curve in the lower back can be seen; the apex of this curve is then measured.

ScolioTrack integrates the benefits of a scoliometer which measures the Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR) and tracks the person’s height, weight and postural changes.
An Scoliometer measures distortions of the torso. The patient is asked to bend over, with arms dangling and palms pressed together, until a curve can be observed in the thoracic area (the upper back). The Scoliometer is placed on the back and used to measure the apex (the highest point) of the curve. The patient is then asked to continue bending until the curve in the lower back can be seen; the apex of this curve is then measured.

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional condition which involves not only a sideward bending of the spine but also rotation. ScolioTrack as well as the traditional Scoliometer measure this twisting of the spine.

The test for scoliosis screening is simple. Most parents are capable of doing the screening test with a high degree of accuracy. The standard test for scoliosis is termed the Adam’s Forward Bend Test. Kids are asked to bend over at the waist as if they were touching their toes. The examiner gets their eyes level with the back and looks for one side being higher than the other, or any asymmetry of the back. Even parents with no medical training can detect relatively small curves if they look carefully.

Please watch the tutorial video where Dr. Kevin Lau walks through the features and functions of ScolioTrack himself.

It is advisable to track a child’s scoliosis at least two times a month. This is because scoliosis most commonly occurs during the adolescent growth spurt.
Adults can track their scoliosis once a month to monitor degenerative or age-related changes.

Research suggest that patients with a 5° scoliometer reading have an 11° scoliosis, and patients with a 7° scoliometer reading are likely to have a Cobb Angle of 20°. Refer to a physician with a scoliometer reading of 5° or greater if they are not already under observation.
For monthly increases of five along with postural changes using the posture assessment tool in ScolioTrack then refer to your health professional for a review.
Remember to bring along your iPhone/iPad to show the physician your records in ScolioTrack.

Scoliometer measures the Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR). Scoliosis is a three-dimensional condition which involves not only a side bending of the spine but also rotation. The Scoliometer and ScolioTrack measures this rotation.

ScolioTrack is a one-time paid purchase on the Apple App Store and Google Play — there is no subscription. Once you buy it, future updates are free.

Yes. ScolioTrack is available on both the Apple App Store (iPhone and iPad) and Google Play for Android phones and tablets.

ScolioTrack measures the Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR) using your device's motion sensor — the same measurement a clinician takes with a handheld scoliometer. Accuracy depends on correct phone placement and a proper forward-bend posture.

The Scoliometer app is a quick screening tool that takes a single ATR reading. ScolioTrack is a monitoring tool: it records ATR over time, plus height, weight and back photos, and stores a history graph for one or more people.

Research suggests a 5° scoliometer reading corresponds to roughly an 11° curve, and a 7° reading to about a 20° Cobb angle. A reading of 5° or more — or a steady monthly increase — is a signal to see a healthcare professional.

No. ScolioTrack is for monitoring between professional visits. It does not diagnose scoliosis and does not replace clinical examination or imaging.

Scoliosis most often progresses during the adolescent growth spurt (around ages 10 to 15). Tracking twice a month during growth, and monthly for adults, helps you notice changes early.

Yes. ScolioTrack supports multiple user profiles, so a parent can monitor several children or family members from a single app.

Your records are stored on your own device. Per the App Store privacy listing, the developer does not collect data from the app.

Yes. ScolioTrack runs on iPhone and iPad (iOS), as well as Android phones and tablets.

Yes. Doctors, chiropractors and physiotherapists use ScolioTrack for quick ATR screening and to monitor patients over time, while parents use it at home.

ScolioTrack is available in 17 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese. You can set your preferred language in your device settings.

Yes. Once you have purchased ScolioTrack, updates are free to download from the App Store or Google Play. Back up your records before installing a major update.

ScolioTrack plots your ATR, height and weight over time. A stable line suggests little change, while a rising ATR or a postural change is a prompt to consult your clinician — bring your records to the appointment.

Options range from observation of smaller curves, to bracing during growth, to Dr Kevin Lau's non-surgical programme that combines 3D bracing, scoliosis-specific exercise and nutrition. Surgery is generally reserved for larger curves. The right approach depends on age, curve size and skeletal maturity — individual results vary.