Evaluation of a single accelerometer based biofeedback system for real-time correction of neck posture in computer users.
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.
Breen
Paul P
PP
The National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science and Electrical & Electronic Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland. paul.breen@nuigalway.ie
Nisar
Aamer
A
Olaighin
Gearoid
G
D000054:Acceleration; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003201:Computers; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D014584:User-Computer Interface