Evaluation of a single accelerometer based biofeedback system for real-time correction of neck posture in computer users

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2009:2009:7269-72. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2009.5334726.

Abstract

The worldwide adoption of computers is closely linked to increased prevalence in neck and shoulder pain. Many ergonomic interventions are available; however, the lifetime prevalence of neck pain is still estimated as high as 80%. This paper introduces a biofeedback system using a novel single accelerometer placement. This system allows the user to react and correct for movement into a position of bad posture. The addition of visual information provides artificial proprioceptive information on the cranial-vertebral angle. Six subjects were tested for 5 hours with and without biofeedback. All subjects had a significant decrease in the percentage of time spent in bad posture when using biofeedback.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration
  • Biofeedback, Psychology / methods*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cervical Vertebrae
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computers*
  • Ergonomics
  • Humans
  • Neck
  • Neck Pain / prevention & control
  • Posture / physiology*
  • Shoulder Pain / prevention & control
  • User-Computer Interface