Revolutionizing Posture: The micro:bit Posture Tracker
Jayden Adomako, Stafford County High School
Many of us spend a lot of time sitting with poor posture, whether at work desks, using our phones for browsing, or watching TV. In all of these, we're likely to be slumped with our neck pushing our head forward, which can cause various body aches and pains, especially in our back and neck. The World Health Organization reported that over 1.7 billion people suffer from problems affecting their muscles, bones, and joints (WHO, 2021). This blog post is a first step in helping yourself or others to learn how to sit and stand correctly to avoid future posture-related problems.
What is Good Posture?
Good posture refers to the alignment of the body, and particularly in the spine. Good posture allows for optimal functioning of muscles and joints, or what a teacher or medical professional would have you call the musculoskeletal system. Perfect posture is uncommon or rare, but would involve positioning the body in a way that minimizes strain and maximizes the efficiency of movements of your body. In standing posture, the ears, shoulders, and hips should ideally align vertically, with the body weight distributed evenly on both legs. When sitting, the spine should be in a relatively neutral position, with the lower back also supported. Your feet should also be flat on the floor, and knees at a 90 degree angle. These positions help reduce the risk of strain and discomfort and prevent long term musculoskeletal issues (Gorman et al., 2020).
The Problem with Poor Posture
Correct posture is something that many individuals struggle with nowadays, often without realizing it. The dependency on today's technology in the modern world makes slouching hard to avoid, Whether it be at work, school, or simply at home after a long day. These slouching habits creep up on everyone, and it can lead to discomfort usually in the back area, pain, and in decreased productivity. O'Keeffe et al. (2019), reported that 80% of people who have claimed to have poor posture have also experienced chronic pain or discomfort. Other research supports this connection with poor posture and musculoskeletal pain.
The Invention: A micro-bit-Powered Posture Tracker
My innovative wearable technology offers a non-invasive way for people to position themselves for alignment on a daily basis.My engaging invention is a wearable device created to assist in keeping the posture of your spine in check by detecting your body position in real time. It features and is powered by the micro-bit microcontroller. The micro-bit is a nice compact, inexpensive piece of technology that integrates a sensor and can be programmed in
multiple languages including Microsoft BlockCode, Python, or Javascript. It's a perfect choice for those who want something affordable and easy to use. The tracker is easy to attach: simply clip it to your clothing, most likely around your upper back or neck area, just at the nape. As you perform activities the technology will monitor your posture and notify you with a tap if you slouch or misalign your spine.How It Works
The posture tracker contains an accelerometer motion sensor that enables it to measure and track the angle of your spine. Then, as you continue with your day, the device watches your posture. When the sensors recognize your posture as either slumped or leaning forward, the device gives you a gentle vibration or a sound alert that would not draw the attention of others but reminds you to correct your posture. This information makes you aware of your body's position throughout the day instead of having to convince yourself of the best posture.
Why It Matters
Sustaining adequate body posturing in everyday life is not only about looking good. It has a significant impact on our physical health and wellness. Kuru et al. (2019) found a fascinating link between poor posturing, decreased lung capacity, and decreased circulation in adults. This could lead to serious wellness and health challenges. Furthermore, slouching is associated with back pain, muscle fatigue, and even gut problems. Research from Gorman et al. (2020) observed that those with non-optimal posture experienced higher incidence of chronic neck pain, shoulder pain, low back pain, and constipation or other digestive or other gut problems.
By utilizing my Posture Tracker, individuals will begin the process of developing better postural habits over time. This will not only benefit their spinal health, but will also help with circulation and body discomfort for everyone. Studies examining posture correction have demonstrated its positive benefits for mobility and functional independence like our elderly citizens. For example, Williams et al.(2018) found that posture training in an aging population led to meaningful improvements in balance and mobility and as a direct result, a greater quality of life (greater than without posture training). This wearable device is revolutionary when it comes to posture correction. Unlike those bulky braces or pricey ergonomic chairs, it is lightweight and simple to wear, smoothly coming into your life. You can keep doing your thing, looking good without compromising your health!
The Future of Posture Correction
The micro-bit-powered posture tracker is a promising example of how the wearable technology of today can be used to enhance daily health and well being. As interest in health and wellness technology continues to grow, innovations like this could represent a future where physical health is seamlessly incorporated into our everyday lives. Whether at the office, in class, or relaxing at home, this device can serve as a constant reminder to maintain proper posture.
Conclusion
In the future when my posture corrector is widely used, it will shape society to develop good habits and improve their overall and long term health. This smart device provides gentle, non-intrusive alerts that you only feel, reminding you to adjust your posture and overcoming natural slouching postures. As technology advances, devices like this one may evolve to automatically stimulate our musculoskeletal system directly, having an even bigger influence on posture correction and alignment, and guiding us to healthier bodies and overall well-being.
