DE4205790A1 - Bio-feedback measurement system for corrective treatment of spine - has strain gauge or piezoelectric pressure sensors mounted in waistband for assessing posture and movement with user indication and remote signal facility - Google Patents

Abstract

The measurement system employs an electronic bio-feedback sensor for determining the posture and movements of the body. The sensor assembly (422) is positioned between the pelvis and rib cage by a waistband (420) and provides strain gauge or piezoelectric signals from elements enclosed within a flexible plastic wrap. Battery powered electronic (424) evaluation of the signals assists the user to adopt a correct position consistent with treatment as a result of an audible warning or other appropriate signal. USE/ADVANTAGE - Treatment of scoliosis. Assisting patient to persevere with self-treatment over long periods. Sensor array can be readily tailored to suit improvements in defective region or to allow for natural growth in children. Remote recording facility enables expert analysis by clinic or similar.

Description

The invention relates to a measuring system for detecting the Kör maintenance and body movements, especially as organic feedback system, with a length measuring element, a measuring elec tronik, a signal generator and a supply source.

Such a measuring system is described in "Behavioral Method for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis ", Proc. Mathl. Acad. Sci. USA, Vol. 82 (1985), pages 2493-2497 of Dworkin et al. and which concern a further development of this process WO-A-90/14 044 as a biofeedback system for scoliosis treatment described.

Scoliosis is a permanent lateral curvature of the skeleton, which is only reversible in the initial stage, but is later fixed. Connected to the curvature of the spine are a rotation and torsion of the individual spine components. This is illustrated with reference to Fig. 1 in more detail, in which in side view (a) a normal spine, (b) a spine in kyphosis, (c) a spine in scoliosis and (d) a spine in lordosis is easy to see.

There are various treatment measures:

• a) Physiotherapy. There will be various exercises programs up to a curvature angle of about 15 to 20 ° carried out. In many cases, however, one can Reinforcement of scoliosis doesn't stop, and there are not all scoliosis diseases through physiotherapy to influence.
• b) Corset care (see e.g. EP-A-03 89 379). There are different corset shapes have been developed. There a Corset to stabilize the spine by pressure exercise at certain critical points, it must be correspondingly firm, so that it is relatively voluminous and is uncomfortable to wear. There is also an atro Phie of the trunk muscles, which increases mobility and more is restricted. After all, it can too permanent deformations of ribs or soft tissues bes come below the pressure points. Such corsets anyway should be twenty three hours a day and worn every day until the skeleton is fully developed is celt. Usually, the wearing time is about 3 to 4 Years. Corsets are thus being used in large numbers growing worn and it is understandable that a Some of these patients removed the corsets alone aesthetic reasons not often enough. In addition the corset costs come, the more for adolescents include multiple changes and renewals.
• c) stiffening operation. This measure will not be so common fig, especially because of the risks and can affect only part of the spine at a time fen.  
• d) electrostimulation treatment. Here is day or Night stimulation, for example using an implan system at an angle of about 15 to 30 ° applied. This treatment has been only partial enforced. It is not specific to scoliosepa tients, but primarily serves for Treatment of neurological diseases. Here should unusual muscle groups through increased activation still innervated parts in their function or through special training of agonists Er sentence functions are created. Examples of one Electro stimulation treatment is especially so EMG biofeddback from Basmajian and De Luca (1985) "Muscles alive. Their functions revealed by Elec tromyographiy. "5th Ed., Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, UNITED STATES.

The treatment procedure by Dworkin et al. is also a biofeedback system based on the detects nis that with an increase in curvature the body length automa table decreases. The patient wears a first rope sling sideways over the shoulders and down through the crotch and a second loop of rope that runs around the fuselage becomes. Connected to the slings are two transducers, which are the Detect lengthening and shortening of the slings and in convert digital electrical signals. Depending on the heading A tone becomes a preset length or position issued by the signal generator up to a corresponding Attitude change sounds. This is supposed to be a verb Service or corrective treatment for all everyday activities can be achieved. However, this system has, well due to the inconvenience when wearing, overall not enforced.  

However, it turned out to be essential that a Back training in the patient must be effected to the adverse deformation forces on the spine during to counteract everyday activities. The patent must be in able to determine whether he is is in an unfavorable or favorable position. Without Help is practically only a few patients alone possible.

A well-known back training according to Schroth, Lehnert -Schroth CH (1991), "Three-dimensional scoliosis treatment: Respiratory orthopedics system Schroth ". Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart builds on the correction of the vertebrae columnar curvatures from below, d. H. at the farthest caudal lying main curvature.

The invention has for its object a measuring system for Detection of posture and body movements, esp special as a biofeedback system, to create that pleasant is wearing and trains the taking of a favorable posture.

This task is according to the invention with a measuring system solved the features of claim 1. Advantageous next Formations of the measuring system according to the invention are the subject of subclaims.

A measuring system according to the invention for detecting the neck of the body and of body movements, especially as a biofeed Back system is suitable, includes a length measuring element, a Measuring electronics, a signal generator and a supply source. The measuring system is an elongated sensor section that firmly with a support element and with the measuring electronics ver is tied, the elongated portion on the body appropriate areas, their posture or movements  should be recorded.

The measuring element is used to convert mechanical Deformations in electrically measurable sizes. The deformity stanchions can be length changes, extension when pulling or Shortening in compression. These are by lengths Changes in the measuring element itself detected. In this way can posture changes after attaching the langge stretched sensor section on the relevant body richly established. The signal generator shows that Exceed a predetermined deformation and cause leave the patient, again a cheaper and at the same time not accompanied by the beep or any other sign To adopt an attitude.

Although the measuring system according to the invention in particular for Motion detection for postural errors and curvature of the Spine is provided, it also allows the Uberwa chung the movement limits of joints z. B. after operational Interventions or with movement therapies as well as muscular tissue abilities and their intensity (e.g. of arm, leg and Pectoral muscles, the latter based on the circumference of the chest).

The detection of curvature by the measuring system according to the invention is illustrated with reference to FIG. 2. The fully extended strip A illustrates an elongated Sensorab section in the starting position, in which the body area in question already has a certain curvature. The dash-dotted stripe B shows the position of the sensor section, which this would assume with a greater curvature, accompanied by a beep. The area C, which is only shown in broken lines, on the other hand, shows a change to a more favorable attitude, in which no signal tone is thus emitted.

Also changes in circumference or changes in diameter of certain Body parts can be measured by the measuring system according to the invention record and monitor. This will be explained in more detail tert.

The measuring element can be a strain gauge. Preferential wise, the strain gauge is firmly inserted at the end tense. In the simplest case, it consists of a single one plastic, electrically conductive plastic strips, the firmly clamped at the ends and against annoying crushing and pressure loads are protected. The changes in length of the Stripes cause a change in resistance that is directly per is proportional to the change in length and by the measuring electronics is evaluated. This embodiment of the invention Measuring system enables absolute measurements of the length or of Changes in length.

The strain gauge is preferably on a carrier strips made of non-conductive elastic plastic brings. In this embodiment, several can connected strain gauges combined with each other be when bending the assembly over the active axis be stretched differently. The length difference is then proportional to the difference in resistance of the measuring strips.

In an alternative embodiment, the measuring element comprises a piezoelectric pressure transducer, it being advantageous is tubular. By means of the pressure sensor, how for which bends and twists are registered. At a preferred embodiment of the invention is the Hose embedded in a carrier.

In the measuring system according to the invention, this preferably comprises Measuring element two or more elongated sensor sections,  which together deliver at least two measured variables. Advantageous are the sensor sections with a bridge circuit or another resistance measurement method connected by the Fluctuations in the measuring system are compensated for, for example wise due to fluctuations in operating voltage, Quet curves or bends around one not required for measurement Axis, etc. are caused.

A preferred embodiment of the invention draws is characterized in that it comprises a calibration element. Hereby the measuring system can be adapted to the respective application will. Readjustments or sensor sections can also be made as well as readjustments of the movement limits of joints etc. are taken into account. A simple embodiment the calibration element is a potentiometer.

The supply source is a battery, in particular special flat battery, or an accumulator. The flat battery rie can be worn particularly inconspicuously on the body.

It can also be a device for remote transmission of the off Gangssignal the measuring electronics to be provided to keep monitor changes etc. of the patient, for example in a larger field trial.

It is very advantageous in the measuring system according to the invention that it can be attached to the body in a particularly simple manner can. In the simplest embodiment, can be used for fastening plaster or bandages.

The measuring system according to the invention can also on a corset or attached to or in addition to an orthosis be seen.  

An elastic waist bodice can also be used, to which the measuring system according to the invention is attached. The Waist corset is appropriate with a receptacle for that Measuring element and / or the measuring electronics including calibration element, supply source and signal generator. It can be selected from light material so that it is the Fuselage contours adjusted. It must be snug at the waist without pressing or interfering with breathing term. The comfort is compared to a corset or another orthosis significantly improved, so that the Acceptance by the patient and thus an improved Successful treatment is guaranteed by wearing it for longer.

Of course, other brackets can for example provided for other parts of the body by means of tissue be.

The invention is further preferred in the following based on Exemplary embodiments and the drawing are described. The Exemplary embodiments serve only for explanation and their selection is in no way as view the invention restrictively. Zei in the drawing gene:

Fig. 1 shows schematic representations of changes in shape of the spine,

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a curved elongated portion with two position changes from the initial position,

Fig. 3 is a perspective schematic representation of the arrangement of a strain gauge,

Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of a Sensorab section for detecting a diameter fang order change,

Fig. 5 and 6 show two schematic perspective views of embodiments with two strain gauges,

FIGS. 7 and 8 are two schematic perspective views of embodiments with four strain gages,

Fig. 9 is a further schematic perspective view on an embodiment with four Deh nungsmeßstreifen in an arrangement for uses two bridge circuits,

Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a structure with a strain gauge for detecting bends,

Fig. 11 (a) to (c) are schematic sectional views of Meßelementanordnungen with Dehnungsmeßstrei fen similar to the arrangements of Figs. 6, 7, and 8,

Fig. 12 (a) and (b) devices having curved ausgebil Deten strain gauges as shown in FIG. 11 (a) and (b),

Fig. 13 an arrangement with a square ausgebil Deten carrier element carrying on its outer sides strain gauges,

Gerelement Fig. 14 an arrangement comprising a tubular Trä, carries the shape-adjusted on its periphery four strain gauges,

Fig. 15 is a sectional view of a hollow in the middle, sternrartig bent-support element, the Langge embedded in its concave outer surfaces carries stretched sensor sections,

Fig. 16 is a sectional view of a flat, schlauchför-shaped carrier element, in which the measuring elements are inserted at the edge,

Figure 17 is a section are embedded by a carrier element in which two tubular gauges.,

Fig. 18 to 20 are sectional views of cylindrical or tubular support elements in which four, three and eight tubular measuring elements are inserted embeds

Figure 21 sorabschnitte. To 23 show three embodiments of sensing elements with different geometrical variations of the Sen,

Fig. 24 an embodiment of a bridge circuit of four bridge elements,

Fig. 25 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an inventive measuring system with game Taillenmieder,

Fig. 26 (a) and (b) are schematic views of the individual electronic measuring circuits and the measuring element,

Fig. 27 is a schematic representation of the application of a measuring system according to the invention with Tail lenmieder for treatment of scoliosis,

Fig. 28 is a schematic front view of a vertebral column of a measurement system of FIG. 27 patients provided,

Fig. 29 is a schematic sectional view through a chest of a patient equipped with a measuring system according to the invention for the treatment of a rib hump and

Fig. 30 (a) and (b) are schematic illustrations of an arrangement, according to the invention to measurement systems Be treatment of knee and hip joints in two different movement positions.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an elongated sensor section 100 according to the invention, which is designed as a strain gauge and has two terminal contacts 70 , 72 with connecting wires 10 , 12 at its ends. An arrow 40 illustrates that the sensor section changes its dimensions in the longitudinal direction when it is pulled or compressed. The sensor section is arranged on the parts of the body to be treated or observed and the corresponding changes in length are evaluated.

Fig. 4 illustrates in a schematic plan view the arrangement of a measuring system according to the invention for diam / circumference detection. Here, a web or a strip 102 is provided as an elongated sensor section around the relevant body section, the circumference of which is to be detected, the ends of which are held together by a closure 30 . At the ends, the sensor section 102 has connecting contacts 74 , 76 with connecting wires 14 , 16 . At the other, the diameter, as indicated by arrow 42 , causes a change in length of the sensor section 102 with a corresponding change in the measurement signal.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a measuring system according to the invention with two sensor sections 104 , 106 designed as strain gauges. The sensor sections 104 and 106 are arranged on both sides of a flat carrier element 200 , ie opposite one another. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor sections 104 , 106 can be closed in a bridge circuit. If, for example, the relevant body area moves in the direction of an arrow 44 , ie in the transverse direction, no measurement signal is generated. On the other hand, a measurement signal is generated when a movement change takes place in the direction of an arrow 46 .

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, two elongated sensor sections 108 , 110 are also arranged on a flat carrier element 202 . In this exemplary embodiment, however, the two sensor sections are arranged on the same side of the carrier element 202 , in each case on opposite edge areas. Accordingly, with a movement in the transverse direction of the carrier element 202 according to arrow 48, a measurement signal and with a movement perpendicular thereto (accordingly arrow 50 ), no measurement signal is generated.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate two embodiments in which four sensor sections 112 to 118, 120 to 126 are arranged on a support element 204, 206. The Sen sorabschnitte are each sen be Schlos in bridge circuits, so that the measuring systems of FIG. 7 and FIG 8 are sensitive in different ver bending axes.. In the arrangement of FIG. 7, no measurement signal is generated for movements in the direction of an arrow 52 and for movements in the direction of an arrow 54 . The other way around, in the arrangement of FIG. 8, a measurement signal is generated for movements in the direction of an arrow 56 and no measurement signal for movements in the direction of an arrow 58 is generated.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment with four sensor sections 128 to 134 . The sensor sections are arranged flush on a carrier element 208 with a cross-shaped cross section. In the measuring system of FIG. 9, the sensor sections 128 , 132 and 130 , 134 are each connected to a bridge circuit. If a movement of the measuring elements consisting of the carrier element 208 and the sensor sections 128 to 134 takes place in the direction of arrows 60 , 62 , then a measurement signal is output from both bridge circuits.

In Fig. 10, another embodiment is illustrated in perspective view, in which a sensor section 136 with circuit contacts 78 , 80 and connecting wires 18 , 20 is arranged on a flat carrier element 210 . The underside of the carrier element 210 is ausgebil det that it undergoes no longitudinal expansion. Otherwise there would be tensile and bending stress. In the illustrated embodiment, no signal is generated when moving in the direction of an arrow 64 and a signal is generated when moving in the direction of an arrow 66 , ie the arrangement is sensitive to bending.

The following are schematic sectional views some selected embodiments of measuring systems ge illustrated according to the invention to the variety of poss Lichen arrangements of sensor sections and support elements to clarify.

The sectional views of Fig. 11 (a) and (c) correspond to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The arrangement of FIG. 11 (b) corresponds to the arrangement of FIG. 5. The difference is on the support member 212 the sensor sections 138 , 140 are provided with an extension over the entire top and bottom of the carrier element 212 .

Shown in FIG. 12 (a) and (b) embodiments, analogous to FIG. 11 (a) and (b). The sensor sections 142 , 144 and 146 , 148 are designed as curved strips.

Fig. 13 shows an embodiment with a Trägerele element 218 , which has a square cross section. Strip-shaped sensor sections 150 to 156 are arranged on the long sides of the carrier element 218 .

The embodiment of FIG. 14 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 13, but the cross section of the carrier element 220 is circular and the sensor sections 158 to 164 are adapted in shape to the circumference of the carrier element 220 .

In the embodiment of Fig. 15, a Trägerele element 222 is provided with a cylindrical inner recess 250 . The carrier element 222 is formed in a star shape with four concave bulges on the outside, in which correspondingly shaped sensor sections 166 to 172 are accommodated. The cross sections of the sensor sections 166 to 182 are lenticular, so that the entire measuring element has a circular cross section. Functionally, this arrangement is similar to that of Ausführungsbei play of Fig. 13 and Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 shows a support element 174 with semi-circular recesses in the circular gauges 173, 175 are laterally fitted.

In Fig. 17, a flat support member 224 is shown, tet eingebet in the two tubular sensor sections 176, 178. Functionally, this arrangement is similar to the arrangement of FIG. 11 and FIG. 16.

In Fig. 18 to 20 show further exemplary embodiments of measurement are elements with tubular light sensor sections illustrated. The carrier elements 226 to 230 have a circular cross section. Four sensor sections 180 , 186 , three sensor sections 188 to 192 and eight sensor sections 300 to 314 are embedded in each of them. With an increasing number of sensor sections per cross section, the movement / posture component to be observed can be recorded more precisely.

Fig. 21 to 23 illustrate further embodiments of inventive arrangements of measurement systems. In particular, these embodiments are suitable for use with Kor sets. They are designed over a large area and include all large-area arrangements of carrier elements 232 , 234 and 236 , the cross-connection of the sensor sections 238 , 240 , 242 , the sensor sections 316 to 334 and the cables with the contacts. Fig. 21 shows a comb-shaped arrangement of the sensor portions. Fig. 22 shows a geometric Varia tion of the sensor surface of the sensor to adapt to the ever weiligen deformation zones. In Fig. 23, the Sensorab sections are arranged in parallel.

Fig. 24 shows an embodiment of the present invention provided the bridge circuit. This comprises a measuring bridge 402 with four resistors R1 to R4. An amplifier 404 is connected to the measuring bridge, the output of which is connected to a comparator 406 . An output circuit 408 , to which a signal generator 410 is connected, is connected to the output of the comparator 406 . A calibration element 412 is further connected to the comparator, which is a potentiometer in the exemplary embodiment shown. The measuring bridge 402 can be implemented in various ways. A variable resistor, but also a maximum of all four resistors can be made variable, the remaining resistors then being fixed. Accordingly, any movement can be detected or their movements can be excluded by the circuit.

An acoustic, optical or also an electrical or mechanical signal generator can be used as signal generator 410 , so that it is also possible to invisibly give a feedback signal to the user of the measuring system according to the invention. The user can change his posture on the signal sent to him so that no signal is output. This signal can only be intended for the person wearing the measuring system. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to transmit the signal by means of a remote transmission arrangement by radio, infrared or ultrasound systems to remote data processing systems or the like. This enables large-scale field trials, for example.

The previous description has made it clear that this is the case Measuring system according to the invention executed in various ways and can be used. Depending on the circuit connections sen and the number and arrangement as well as the geometric Ge design of the sensor sections can different mechani and then in this way be compensated. It goes without saying that this Measuring system is not a precision measuring system and therefore is also generally not suitable for industrial use becomes. For medical use to correct the bracket door, d. H. as a biofeedback system, the Ge achieved is sufficient accuracy, however.

In the following some concrete embodiments for certain clinical pictures are illustrated. Fig. 25 shows an embodiment with an elastic tail lenmieder, which adapts completely to the trunk contours. The bodice material is light, so that sufficient flexibility is guaranteed. On the other hand, a tight fit must be ensured in order to ensure sufficient measurement accuracy and slip resistance. The waist corset 420 of Fig. 25 for example, can be closed by means of a Velcro fastener. It comprises two loops, not shown, for receiving a measuring element 422 and for receiving the measuring electronics 424 , which are again shown individually in FIGS. 26 (a) and (b). The measuring element consists of a rod-shaped strain gauge according to the required properties, which detects bending and twisting of the spine. The measuring electronics 424 comprises a calibration element 426 designed as a potentiometer and a signal transmitter (not shown). The measuring element 422 and the measuring electronics 424 are connected by a schematically indicated Ver connection cable 428 . A battery for supplying the measuring electronics is not shown.

Patients with spinal deformities are treated after Put on the waist corset by rotating the Mieders brought to the desired location. This is with Sko loose at the waist an area below the costal arch, in kyphosis a spot directly behind the spine. Then the position of the navel is recognizable on the bodice made to keep the bodice in this position to be able to. It is then by means of the acorn element the signal transmitter is set in such a way that with a sufficiently correct posture of the patient no beep is emitted yet, on the other hand with ver poor posture, d. H. greater curvature or twist extension of the spine, a signal is output. To this The patient is always prompted, even in everyday life take a slight correction posture and at the same time to avoid the passive posture that with the strong spinal curvature. Especially when awake in this way, an increase in curvature should ver be prevented.

Fig. 27 and 28, the assembly 25 illustrate a fiction, modern measuring system according to Fig. For a patient with scoliosis. In this embodiment, the reference numerals are the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 25. The only difference is the arrangement of the measuring electronics 424 . Fig. 28 illustrates the effect or arrangement of the measuring system according to the invention, only the measuring element 422 being shown. As already mentioned, it is arranged laterally below the rib hump I parallel to the curved spine, starting with the lumbar spine V and above the pelvis IV. The representation of Fig.

28 clearly shows the loins formed by scoliosis bead III and the one formed above in the spine Thoracic compensatory curvature II. The measurement according to the invention The system is designed so that it too is only arranged to straighten the lower curvature, namely when minor side curvatures are not taken into account (lumbar-sacral counter arch). It is still the present one Experience has shown that after the erection of the lower Curvature also for the muscular curvatures above Positioning reflexes occur due to an increase in muscle activity corrective muscle groups the overlying crumb influences also favorably. Therefore, first of all the lumbar section corrected for posture. The illustrated Measuring system registered in the illustrated embodiment taking into account the deformation of the lumbar spine len section, ie the section between the rib cage and Pelvis, and taking into account the rib hump crumb Increases in tension and torsion of the trunk section between Spine basket and pelvis. The illustrated orthosis affects the spinal deformity as a whole flows through it imagined reflex activation of higher lying spine len sections cheap.

Fig. 29 illustrates an application example for a measuring system according to the invention for correcting the rib hump. As the sectional view of FIG. 29 shows, a measuring element 430 is arranged transversely over the costal arch, the deformations of which are to be observed.

Fig. 30 illustrates the arrangement of a measuring element 432 and 434 to control the movement of a knee joint or hip joint. The associated corset fastening devices 436 , 438 are indicated by dashed lines. Fig. 30 (a) illustrates the setting of a range of motion for the hip joint of about 90 ° as a critical angle (see arrow 440 ). The knee joint is set to an angular range of approximately 30 ° (see arrow 442 ) (see Fig. 30 (b)).

Claims (19)

1. Measuring system for detecting posture and body movements, in particular as a biofeedback system, with a length measuring element, measuring electronics, a signal generator and a supply source, characterized in that the measuring element is an elongated sensor section ( 100 to 192 , 300 to 334 ) , which is firmly connected to a carrier element ( 200 to 236 ) and to the measuring electronics ( 424 ), the elongated sensor section being attached to the body regions, the posture or movement of which is to be detected. 2. Measuring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring element is a strain gauge ( 100 to 172 ). 3. Measuring system according to claim 2, characterized in that the strain gauge is firmly clamped at the end. 4. Measuring system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the strain gauge ( 100 to 172 ) on a carrier strip ( 200 to 222 ) made of non-conductive elastic plastic is applied. 5. Measuring system according to claim 4, characterized in that the measuring element comprises a plurality of parallel strain gauges ( 104 , 106 ; 108 , 110 ; 112 to 164 ), which together provide a measured variable. 6. Measuring system according to claim 1, characterized in that  the measuring element is a piezoelectric pressure sensor having. 7. Measuring system according to claim 6, characterized. that the measuring element ( 174 to 314 ) is tubular. 8. Measuring system according to claim 7, characterized in that the hose ( 176 to 314 ) is embedded in a carrier ( 224 to 230 ). 9. Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the measuring element comprises two or more elongated sensor sections ( 112 to 118 , 120 to 126 , 128 to 134 ), which together provide at least two measured variables. 10. Measuring system according to claim 9, characterized in that the sensor sections are connected to a bridge circuit ( 402 ) or another resistance measuring method. 11. Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a calibration element ( 412 , 426 ). 12. Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the calibration element ( 412 , 426 ) is a potentiometer. 13. Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized characterized in that the supply source is a battery or is an accumulator. 14. Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized  characterized in that a device for remote transmission supply of the output signal of the measuring electronics is provided is. 15. Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized characterized in that it is by means of plaster (s) or banda gen is attached. 16. Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized characterized in that it is attached to a corset or is provided in addition to this. 17. Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized characterized in that it is attached to an orthosis or is provided in addition to this. 18. Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it is attached to an elastic waist bodice ( 420 ). 19. Measuring system according to claim 18, characterized in that a receptacle for the measuring element ( 422 ) and / or the measuring electronics ( 424 ) including calibration element ( 426 ), supply source and signal transmitter is provided on the waist bodice ( 420 ).