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In the dual-energy micro-CT system, the ideal posture relation is a necessary condition for high-quality imaging. However, existing posture calibration methods are not able to correct all the posture parameters of the dual-energy micro-CT system utilizing the optical coupler detector. To address this issue, we propose a posture correction method based on a single-sided nine-grids phantom. Scanning experiments and projection data reconstruction are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. After posture correction, the absolute values of the coordinate offsets of dual-energy projection points in two directions are less than the unit pixel size of the detector. Besides, artifacts in the reconstruction images of both optical paths are reduced, leading to improved accuracy in material discrimination results from reconstruction images. The proposed method can correct all the posture parameters of the optical coupler detector, making it certainly practical for the micro-CT system utilizing the optical coupler detector.

The correction of postural weaknesses through the better positioning of the pelvis is an important approach in sports therapy and physiotherapy. The pelvic position in the sagittal plane is largely dependent on the muscular balance of the ventral and dorsal muscle groups. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine whether healthy persons use similar muscular activation patterns to correct their pelvic position or whether there are different motor strategies. The following muscles were recorded in 41 persons using surface electromyography (EMG): M. trapezius pars ascendens, M. erector spinae pars lumbalis, M. gluteus maximus, M. biceps femoris, M. rectus abdominis, and M. obliquus externus. The participants performed 10 voluntary pelvic movements (retroversion of the pelvis). The anterior pelvic tilt was measured videographically via marker points on the anterior and posterior superior iliac spine. The EMG data were further processed and normalized to the maximum voluntary contraction. A linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between changes in the pelvic tilt and muscle activities. Subsequently, a Ward clustering analysis was applied to detect potential muscle activation patterns. The differences between the clusters and the pelvic tilt were examined using ANOVA. Cluster analysis revealed the presence of four clusters with different muscle activation patterns in which the abdominal muscles and dorsal muscle groups were differently involved. However, the gluteus maximus muscle was involved in every activation pattern. It also had the strongest correlation with the changes in pelvic tilt. Different individual muscle patterns are used by different persons to correct pelvic posture, with the gluteus maximus muscle apparently playing the most important role. This can be important for therapy, as different muscle strategies should be trained depending on the individually preferred motor patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in incorrect posture in the daily lifestyle of many individuals has led to numerous issues. Of these, lower back pain is recognized as the most common posture-related medical condition. Existing effective solutions for posture-related issues are complex to use, and are diverse in nature, ranging from the identification of the problem to the correction of posture. In this research, an attempt was made to provide an effective solution in the form of a short sleeve undershirt with carefully designed extensible structures matching the required reinforcement for different segments of the spine. The additional functionality of the proposed garment was verified through proper scientific testing using sEMG. The correction mechanism utilizes a combination of sensory tension applied to the wearer and the reinforcement of the spine with a specially made backbone structure attached to a custom-made garment. Woven narrow bands and warp knitted fabrics were used in the garment. The backbone structure is strategically placed on the garment to control the specific muscles related to correct postural balance. It was found that the garment reduces the activation of certain back muscles and promotes voluntary posture correction.

Postural low back pain (LBP) is a non-specific LBP defined as pain or discomfort in low back areas caused by incorrect posture for ages. Most patients only experience mild and moderate pain from low back pain, however, it can cause chronic pain and disability for several groups. This case report aims to investigate the effect of therapeutic exercise on posture and pain in postural LBP. A 37-year-old male presented with LBP for 4 months with Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) 7. Physical examination showed impaired posture, wide base gait, limitation ROM of trunk, reduced breathing count test, muscle spasm at upper and lower back areas, positive in Thomas test, Ely test, and hamstring tightness test. The back pain functional scale (BPFS) was 7. The therapeutic exercise program consisted stretching exercises (neck, upper and lower back, hamstring, rectus femoris, iliopsoas muscle), core strengthening, William's flexion, McKenzie's, breathing and chest expansion exercise, alongside proprioceptive exercise. One cycle (eight times) of physical modalities, TENS at paralumbal and USD at paracervical, upper and middle trapezius, rhomboid, sternocleidomastoideus, paralumbal, and insertion of hamstring were given. We evaluated the patient's condition for about 4 months, and the patient showed a good compliance with improvement in pain score, ROM of the trunk, reduced muscle spasm and tightness, improved posture, gait, breathing, and BPFS. The patient can return to do his job again. This case report is able to demonstrate that therapeutic exercise improves clinical and functional conditions. These findings suggest the clinical implications of therapeutic exercise in patients with postural LBP are beneficial.

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of a 24-week-long training program on changes in static body posture, as well as the characteristics of anterior shoulder pain in youth swimmers, and the relationship between changes in whole-body posture and the frequency and intensity of anterior shoulder pain. Competitive young swimmers (n = 54, 13.9 ± 1.79 years) were divided into experimental group and control group and both groups performed their usual swimming training. In addition, the experimental group performed a 24-week-long whole-body posture correction program. Before and after the implemented training, whole-body posture was analyzed using the PostureScreen (version 13.7) mobile application, and subjective intensity of pain was determined using the swimmer's functional pain scale. Significant changes were found between the two groups in numerous measured postural parameters. A significant reduction in the prevalence of shoulder pain and score of the pain scale was observed after the posture correction program in the experimental group. Our results may imply that more optimal biomechanical conditions may indirectly reduce the incidence of swimmer's shoulder in terms of prevention. Analysis and monitoring of body posture of swimmers using an on-field mobile application continuously, and the application of preventive training programs, may help to avoid developing injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of osteophytes and the involvement of adjacent soft tissue structures are the initial indications of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs in cervical spondylitis. Forward head posture also has an effect on the muscles at the head and shoulders, which aggravates postural deformity. Purpose: The purpose is to determine Efficacy of cervical thoracic spine correction exercises in reducing pain and improving neck posture in people with cervical spondylitis. Methods: This experimental study has been conducted from December 2022 to April 2023. Patients willing to participate in the study were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria. The total number of subjects (30) were taken from Sai charan physio clinic and they are divided into 15 subjects for the experimental group, they are given cervical thoracic spine correction exercises with ultrasound. The control group consisting of 15 subjects, are isometric exercises with ultrasound. NPRS and Neck disability index are used as outcome measures. The treatments were given for 5 days per week and continued for 2 weeks. Results: From statistical analysis made with the quantitative data revealed statistically significant differences between the Group A and Group B, with the P value of <0.0001. Thus, the experimental group has higher statistical differences than the conventional group. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, Cervical thoracic spine correction exercises in the experimental group were found to be more beneficial than isometric exercises in conventional groups in lowering pain and leading to faster recovery in participants with forward neck posture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of a 24-week-long training program on changes in static body posture, as well as the characteristics of anterior shoulder pain in youth swimmers, and the relationship between changes in whole-body posture and the frequency and intensity of anterior shoulder pain. Competitive young swimmers (n = 54, 13.9 ± 1.79 years) were divided into experimental group and control group and both groups performed their usual swimming training. In addition, the experimental group performed a 24-week-long whole-body posture correction program. Before and after the implemented training, whole-body posture was analyzed using the PostureScreen (version 13.7) mobile application, and subjective intensity of pain was determined using the swimmer’s functional pain scale. Significant changes were found between the two groups in numerous measured postural parameters. A significant reduction in the prevalence of shoulder pain and score of the pain scale was observed after the posture correction program in the experimental group. Our results may imply that more optimal biomechanical conditions may indirectly reduce the incidence of swimmer’s shoulder in terms of prevention. Analysis and monitoring of body posture of swimmers using an on-field mobile application continuously, and the application of preventive training programs, may help to avoid developing injuries.

The correction of postural weaknesses through the better positioning of the pelvis is an important approach in sports therapy and physiotherapy. The pelvic position in the sagittal plane is largely dependent on the muscular balance of the ventral and dorsal muscle groups. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine whether healthy persons use similar muscular activation patterns to correct their pelvic position or whether there are different motor strategies. The following muscles were recorded in 41 persons using surface electromyography (EMG): M. trapezius pars ascendens, M. erector spinae pars lumbalis, M. gluteus maximus, M. biceps femoris, M. rectus abdominis, and M. obliquus externus. The participants performed 10 voluntary pelvic movements (retroversion of the pelvis). The anterior pelvic tilt was measured videographically via marker points on the anterior and posterior superior iliac spine. The EMG data were further processed and normalized to the maximum voluntary contraction. A linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between changes in the pelvic tilt and muscle activities. Subsequently, a Ward clustering analysis was applied to detect potential muscle activation patterns. The differences between the clusters and the pelvic tilt were examined using ANOVA. Cluster analysis revealed the presence of four clusters with different muscle activation patterns in which the abdominal muscles and dorsal muscle groups were differently involved. However, the gluteus maximus muscle was involved in every activation pattern. It also had the strongest correlation with the changes in pelvic tilt. Different individual muscle patterns are used by different persons to correct pelvic posture, with the gluteus maximus muscle apparently playing the most important role. This can be important for therapy, as different muscle strategies should be trained depending on the individually preferred motor patterns.

Vibrotactile feedback training may be used as a complementary strategy to reduce time in demanding postures in manual handling. This study evaluated the short- and medium-term effects of concurrent posture-correction vibrotactile feedback training on trunk inclination exposure in real manual sorting work. Fifteen warehouse workers completed the training and the follow-up sessions. Trunk inclination angles were recorded using the ambulatory Smart Workwear System. Questionnaires were used for assessing system usability, perceived physical exertion, and work ability. The results showed reduced time in trunk inclination >30°, >45°, and >60°, and reductions in the 90th, 95th, and 99th percentile trunk inclination angles, when receiving feedback and immediately after feedback withdrawal. No significant reduction was retained after one and three weeks. The wearer's comfort was scored high, and the feedback did not increase the perceived cognitive demands. No significant effects attributed to changed trunk inclination exposure were observed for perceived physical exertion or work ability. The training program has the potential of contributing to reduced trunk inclination exposure in the short term. Future studies are needed to evaluate if improvements in the feedback training can transfer the short-term results to retained median- and long-term effects. Practitioner summary: A two-day training program with concurrent posture-correction vibrotactile feedback can contribute to reduced exposure of trunk inclination in real manual sorting work in the short term. More research is needed on how to design the feedback training programs in order to be effective in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forward shoulder posture (FSP) results from shoulders being pulled forward by shortened anterior shoulder girdle muscles. The objective of this study was to investigate the short-term effectiveness of the reverse plank exercise on parascapular muscle thickness and forward shoulder angle (FSA) in patients with FSP. Participants were divided into the FSP and non-FSP (NFSP) groups based on the observed angle between the horizontal line of the C7 spinous process and the acromion process. All participants performed a total of five sets of reverse plank exercises at 30 s per set. FSA and muscle thickness of the pectoralis major (PM), serratus anterior (SA), upper trapezius (UT), and lower trapezius (LT) were measured before and after the reverse plank exercise. The muscle thicknesses of the SA and LT, and the FSA, were significantly increased after exercise in the FSP group (p < 0.05). Muscle thickness of the PM and UT significantly decreased after the exercise. In the NFSP group, muscle thickness of the LT was significantly increased, and muscle thickness of the PM and UT were significantly reduced after exercise (p < 0.05). Upon using between-group analysis, there were significant differences between the FSA, SA, UT, and LT groups (p < 0.05). The reverse plank exercise has the short-term benefit of correcting and preventing FSP by increasing SA and LT thickness while decreasing PM and UT thickness. We believe that the reverse plank exercise significantly improved the ability to prevent FSP in FSP-related muscles and was beneficial in achieving optimal postural alignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haptic technology permeates diverse fields and is receiving renewed attention for VR and AR applications. Advances in flexible electronics, facilitate the integration of haptic technologies into soft wearable systems, however, because of small footprint requirements face challenges of operational time requiring either large batteries, wired connections or frequent recharge, restricting the utility of haptic devices to short-duration tasks or low duty cycles, prohibiting continuously assisting applications. Currently many chronic applications are not investigated because of this technological gap. Here, we address wireless power and operation challenges with a biosymbiotic approach enabling continuous operation without user intervention, facilitated by wireless power transfer, eliminating the need for large batteries, and offering long-term haptic feedback without adhesive attachment to the body. These capabilities enable haptic feedback for robotic surgery training and posture correction over weeks of use with neural net computation. The demonstrations showcase that this device class expands use beyond conventional brick and strap or epidermally attached devices enabling new fields of use for imperceptible therapeutic and assistive haptic technologies supporting care and disease management. • Continuous haptic feedback with high spatial resolution via adhesive-free biosymbiotic device architectures. • Continuous, neural net enabled multimodal closed-loop haptic feedback for assistive and therapeutic applications. • Demonstration of advanced learning outcomes through haptics for minimally invasive surgery training and postural reeducation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Forward head posture is a common postural deviation in people of all ages; however, the new online way of life could accentuate this disorder. It involves hyperextension of upper cervical vertebrae (C1-C3) and flexion of lower cervical vertebrae (C4-C7). The aim of the study was to examine the effect of different exercises on forward head posture. Methods. The electronic databases of PubMed and Cochrane Library (Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials or clinical trials that investigated different exercises for forward head posture published between January 1, 2010 and March 31, 2020. The studies had to examine at least 1 of the following outcomes: pain, forward head posture parameters, Neck Disability Index, balance, and cervical position sense. PEDro score was used to assess the methodological quality of these studies. Results. Overall, 19 studies were found that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. On assessing by PEDro scale, the methodological quality of the studies was 7/10. Conclusions. Stabilizing exercises and posture correction exercises are effective for the management of forward head posture. Adding manual therapy with these exercises could also be an effective way to treat forward head posture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As many people spend a lot of time sitting on a chair, diseases such as turtle neck, straight neck, caused by incorrect posture have been increasing. Preventing these diseases and treating initial symptoms is helpful just by sitting properly. However, when people sit, their postures become disturbed without their knowledge. In this paper, we propose an assistive device in the form of a chair that helps people to sit properly and helps correct their sitting posture. The assistive device is equipped with pressure sensors capable of measuring the distribution of pressure applied to the floor of the chair, and an ultrasonic sensor capable of measuring the distance between the user's back and the chair back. First, an ultrasonic sensor and pressure sensors are used to determine the user's posture, and if the user's posture is not correct, an alarm is sent to the user to help the user to correct the posture by himself. Second, stretching information is provided according to the degree of distribution of pressure measured by the pressure sensors, and pressures are applied to the user's back with press-type cushions to help the user sit in a correct posture. In addition, even when sitting in a chair for a long time, an alarm is triggered to induce a person to rise from the chair. After implementing the system based on Raspberry Pi, each operation was checked. Furthermore, it was confirmed through the experiment participants that the proposed assistive device can help people correct their sitting posture.

In recent years, the trend of exercise has risen rapidly. Weight training for sculpting body shapes is viewed as a particular trend, but incorrect weight training postures or forms can not only nullify the benefits of exercise, but also cause permanent damage to the bodies. Therefore, weight trainees usually hire a coach or an athletic trainer for guidance. However, the cost of hiring a trainer is high and may be prohibitive in the long term. In this study, the OpenPose system and inexpensive webcams are used to develop the WTPose algorithm that can determine whether a weight trainee's posture is correct in real time. When there is deviation in the weight trainee's posture, the algorithm will immediately display the correct posture, thereby helping the weight trainee to correct her/his weight training posture by merely spending a small fee. As proven through experiments, regardless of the user's body shape and gender, the WTPose algorithm can accurately determine whether her/his weight training posture is correct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prolonged improper posture can lead to forward head posture (FHP), causing headaches, impaired respiratory function, and fatigue. This is especially relevant in sedentary scenarios, where individuals often maintain static postures for extended periods-a significant part of daily life for many. The development of a system capable of detecting FHP is crucial, as it would not only alert users to correct their posture but also serve the broader goal of contributing to public health by preventing the progression of chronic injuries associated with this condition. However, despite significant advancements in estimating human poses from standard 2D images, most computational pose models do not include measurements of the craniovertebral angle, which involves the C7 vertebra, crucial for diagnosing FHP., Objective: Accurate diagnosis of FHP typically requires dedicated devices, such as clinical postural assessments or specialized imaging equipment, but their use is impractical for continuous, real-time monitoring in everyday settings. Therefore, developing an accessible, efficient method for regular posture assessment that can be easily integrated into daily activities, providing real-time feedback, and promoting corrective action, is necessary., Methods: The system sequentially estimates 2D and 3D human anatomical key points from a provided 2D image, using the Detectron2D and VideoPose3D algorithms, respectively. It then uses a graph convolutional network (GCN), explicitly crafted to analyze the spatial configuration and alignment of the upper body's anatomical key points in 3D space. This GCN aims to implicitly learn the intricate relationship between the estimated 3D key points and the correct posture, specifically to identify FHP., Results: The test accuracy was 78.27% when inputs included all joints corresponding to the upper body key points. The GCN model demonstrated slightly superior balanced performance across classes with an F 1 -score (macro) of 77.54%, compared to the baseline feedforward neural network (FFNN) model's 75.88%. Specifically, the GCN model showed a more balanced precision and recall between the classes, suggesting its potential for better generalization in FHP detection across diverse postures. Meanwhile, the baseline FFNN model demonstrates a higher precision for FHP cases but at the cost of lower recall, indicating that while it is more accurate in confirming FHP when detected, it misses a significant number of actual FHP instances. This assertion is further substantiated by the examination of the latent feature space using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding, where the GCN model presented an isotropic distribution, unlike the FFNN model, which showed an anisotropic distribution., Conclusions: Based on 2D image input using 3D human pose estimation joint inputs, it was found that it is possible to learn FHP-related features using the proposed GCN-based network to develop a posture correction system. We conclude the paper by addressing the limitations of our current system and proposing potential avenues for future work in this area., (©Haedeun Lee, Bumjo Oh, Seung-Chan Kim. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org), 26.08.2024.)

The forward shoulder posture (FSP) results from shoulders being pulled forward by shortened anterior shoulder girdle muscles. The objective of this study was to investigate the short-term effectiveness of the reverse plank exercise on parascapular muscle thickness and forward shoulder angle (FSA) in patients with FSP. Participants were divided into the FSP and non-FSP (NFSP) groups based on the observed angle between the horizontal line of the C7 spinous process and the acromion process. All participants performed a total of five sets of reverse plank exercises at 30 s per set. FSA and muscle thickness of the pectoralis major (PM), serratus anterior (SA), upper trapezius (UT), and lower trapezius (LT) were measured before and after the reverse plank exercise. The muscle thicknesses of the SA and LT, and the FSA, were significantly increased after exercise in the FSP group (p < 0.05). Muscle thickness of the PM and UT significantly decreased after the exercise. In the NFSP group, muscle thickness of the LT was significantly increased, and muscle thickness of the PM and UT were significantly reduced after exercise (p < 0.05). Upon using between-group analysis, there were significant differences between the FSA, SA, UT, and LT groups (p < 0.05). The reverse plank exercise has the short-term benefit of correcting and preventing FSP by increasing SA and LT thickness while decreasing PM and UT thickness. We believe that the reverse plank exercise significantly improved the ability to prevent FSP in FSP-related muscles and was beneficial in achieving optimal postural alignment.

Examining the outcome of the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on females with postpartum sacroiliac joint pain was the aim of this study. Forty primigravida (six weeks postpartum) females with sacroiliac pain was the sample in this study. The subjects equally randomly allocated in group A and B. Group A was treated by ESWT in addition to postural correction and posterior pelvic tilting exercises. Group B was treated by the same exercise program only. Two sessions every week for four weeks were received by both groups. The measurement variables were sacroiliac pain and function level that were measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) and the back pain functional scale (BPFS), respectively. All measurements were evaluated pre and post four weeks of intervention. The within groups analysis showed a significant improvement in VAS and a significant increase in BPFS in both groups after treatment compared with baseline. Regarding between groups analyses there was a significant improvement in VAS and a significant increase in BPFS in group A compared with group B. In conclusion, both ESWT and exercise program are effective in decreasing the pain and improving the function in females with postpartum sacroiliac pain. However, by adding ESWT to exercises in the treatment program the results are better, so this combination is recommended in treatment of females with postpartum sacroiliac pain.

[Display omitted] • Intrinsically stretchable and conductive ionogels are leveraged to create ion-conductive silk yarns (i-SYs) tailored for e-textile applications. • Aesthetically refined i-SYs can be customarily prepared on a scalable basis. • i-SY e-textiles are used for exercise posture correction. Electronic textiles (e-textiles), which combine the comfort of textiles with the functionality of soft electronics, have attracted much attention in wearable applications. However, scale-up fabrication of stretchable textiles with concurrent high stability and aesthetic appeal features poses significant challenges. Here, we report a scalable and customizable dip-coating strategy for the preparation of multiple-colored and functionally stable ionic conductive silk yarns (i-SY) and demonstrate their effectiveness in exercise posture correction. The i-SY preserves the inherent properties of silk fibers and ionic liquids, exhibiting improved mechanical properties, weaving capabilities, flame retardancy, and electrical conductivity. The method leverages the exceptional transparency of ionic liquids, facilitating the large-scale production of colored i-SYs to meet aesthetic demands. Additionally, the i-SY sensor exhibits exemplary sensing sensitivity and stability, enabling the real-time monitoring of human joint movements and facilitating precise posture correction during fitness exercises. We envision that the proposed sensing textile holds promise for applications in wearable devices, healthcare monitoring, and human–machine interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of science and technology brings about many advantages for human beings, yet it also creates a risk for their health and correct growth, including problems with right posture among children. The fast pace of life, an increasing number of tasks in- and outside of school, lack of physical activity, bad dietary habits and permanent compression of vertebrae are the main factors responsible for posture problems among child and teenager groups. The ages between 7 and 10 seem to be a critical period for forming the body position and it is connected with changing children's daily learning routine (from free and loose activity to a few-hour sitting position at school). In effect, about 60% of children suffer from postural problems. This percentage has a rising tendency as such problems increase with age. The prevention and treatment of consequent disorders is based e.g. on physical exercise during corrective gymnastic classes, where a number of new technology solutions to improve standard and quality of such classes are used, e.g. motion sensors (Microsoft Kinect). This article connects corrective exercises with motion-control-based computer games. This approach uses the natural interest of children for interactive games to improve their engagement in corrective exercises. This new form of health-related activity packed in a "computer driven case" is a real chance to make corrective exercises more children-friendly and thus to stimulate children's motivation to actively participate in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to meet the demands of automatic collection of cigarette retail data, a method for cigarette brand recognition was proposed on the basis of deep learning. Firstly, design a detection model to detect the position and posture of cigarette packet image, and adjust the packet to right its image. Secondly, develop a feature extraction model to extract the feature of the image. Finally, generate a Euclidean distance threshold to search the cigarette feature with the highest similarity via the threshold from the cigarette feature database, and the cigarette brand associated with that feature was taken as the cigarette brand to be identified. The proposed method was tested in some cigarette retail stores in Nanning City of Guangxi Province, the results showed that the accuracy of the method for cigarette brand recognition was 98.0%, which indicated that the proposed method could meet the demands of automatic collection of cigarette retail data and had good generalization performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the posture correction of the vision system at the end of the manipulator, a technique of vision alignment with laser rangefinder was proposed. Firstly, the camera imaging model and the hand-eye relation model were established. Then the position calibration model of the laser rangefinder at the end of the manipulator was established and the nonlinear optimization algorithm based on plane constraint was used to solve the laser source coordinates and the unit direction vector of the laser line in the coordinate system of the end flange of the manipulator. Finally, a vision alignment model was established. The plane equation was fitted to the laser points projected on the target plane and the plane unit normal vector was obtained. Combined with the hand-eye relationship and the alignment relationship, an optimization algorithm was used to solve the posture correction angle of the robot, and the posture angle was sent to the robot to adjust the end pose to finally align the camera plane with the target plane. The results indicate that the camera attitude correction error within 10° is within 0. 6°, and it has higher precision and better stability compared with the posture correction method based on PNP principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A smart garment that can be worn in daily life to track lumbar spine posture. • A persuasive application to help people maintain a good lumbar posture. • Participants in an experiment changed their posture for the duration of a short field test. Prolonged strenuous postures in occupational context may lead to low back pain. Avoiding such occurrences is known to help prevent low back pain episodes or may contribute to recovery. This research concerns wearable sensing technology to support posture monitoring for the prevention of occupational low back pain and, more specifically, how smart garments can help nurses avoid prolonged strenuous postures at work. We introduce BackUp, a system comprising of a smart shirt connected to a smartphone application that provides feedback and advice on low back posture, and we describe its design and implementation. We report on a series of studies that contributed to its development: an anthropometric study (N = 60) to decide on the placement of sensors on the lower spine; a brief field study aimed at evaluating user experience and attitudes towards the shirt (N = 17), and a second field study intended to assess its effectiveness in helping nurses avoid prolonged strenuous postures at work (N = 13). These studies demonstrate how smart clothing can support posture feedback in real life conditions. While the results from the field studies are encouraging regarding the potential of this technology, further research is needed to establish the durability of the behaviour modification achieved through smart garments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the heavy use of consumer electronic devices (CEDs) like smartphones, laptops, etc. in daily life, more and more people feel head, neck, and back pains because of long time poor body postures during the use of these devices. This paper presents a "patients–robots–doctors" architecture and designs a wearable robotic system for body postures monitoring, correction, and rehabilitation assist. The system mainly includes a wearable robotic device (WRD) and the CEDs. The WRD monitors the postures of body segments and reminds the user to correct bad postures. The posture data are sent to CEDs for processing and visualization. The data can also be uploaded to a cloud server for professional analysis by "doctors". The human body posture is modeled and simulated to show that the different postures of the body segments have large effects on the torques and forces acting on the joints and muscles. A posture detection method is proposed and the WRD is designed. The basic functions of the architecture and system are verified by experiments including head–neck posture, back posture, sleeping posture, and leg posture monitoring and correction warning. The architecture and system can be utilized not only by the patients–doctors in telerehabilitation exercise assist but also by the parents–children in good sitting habits development, the athletes–coaches and bodybuilders–instructors in training efficiency improvement, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insufficient physical activity due to social distancing and suppressed outdoor activities increases vulnerability to diseases like cardiovascular diseases, sarcopenia, and severe COVID-19. While bodyweight exercises, such as squats, effectively boost physical activity, incorrect postures risk abnormal muscle activation joint strain, leading to ineffective sessions or even injuries. Avoiding incorrect postures is challenging for novices without expert guidance. Existing solutions for remote coaching and computer-assisted posture correction often prove costly or inefficient., Objective: This study aimed to use deep neural networks to develop a personal workout assistant that offers feedback on squat postures using only mobile devices-smartphones and tablets. Deep learning mimicked experts' visual assessments of proper exercise postures. The effectiveness of the mobile app was evaluated by comparing it with exercise videos, a popular at-home workout choice., Methods: Twenty participants were recruited without squat exercise experience and divided into an experimental group (EXP) with 10 individuals aged 21.90 (SD 2.18) years and a mean BMI of 20.75 (SD 2.11) and a control group (CTL) with 10 individuals aged 22.60 (SD 1.95) years and a mean BMI of 18.72 (SD 1.23) using randomized controlled trials. A data set with over 20,000 squat videos annotated by experts was created and a deep learning model was trained using pose estimation and video classification to analyze the workout postures. Subsequently, a mobile workout assistant app, Home Alone Exercise, was developed, and a 2-week interventional study, in which the EXP used the app while the CTL only followed workout videos, showed how the app helps people improve squat exercise., Results: The EXP significantly improved their squat postures evaluated by the app after 2 weeks (Pre: 0.20 vs Mid: 4.20 vs Post: 8.00, P=.001), whereas the CTL (without the app) showed no significant change in squat posture (Pre: 0.70 vs Mid: 1.30 vs Post: 3.80, P=.13). Significant differences were observed in the left (Pre: 75.06 vs Mid: 76.24 vs Post: 63.13, P=.02) and right (Pre: 71.99 vs Mid: 76.68 vs Post: 62.82, P=.03) knee joint angles in the EXP before and after exercise, with no significant effect found for the CTL in the left (Pre: 73.27 vs Mid: 74.05 vs Post: 70.70, P=.68) and right (Pre: 70.82 vs Mid: 74.02 vs Post: 70.23, P=.61) knee joint angles., Conclusions: EXP participants trained with the app experienced faster improvement and learned more nuanced details of the squat exercise. The proposed mobile app, offering cost-effective self-discovery feedback, effectively taught users about squat exercises without expensive in-person trainer sessions., Trial Registration: Clinical Research Information Service KCT0008178 (retrospectively registered); https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/24006., (©Han Joo Chae, Ji-Been Kim, Gwanmo Park, David Michael O'Sullivan, Jinwook Seo, Jung-Jun Park. Originally published in the Interactive Journal of Medical Research (https://www.i-jmr.org/), 12.09.2023.)

BACKGROUND: Neuromusculoskeletal pain and fatigue have been self-reported by over 70% surgeons who perform minimally invasive surgery (MIS). These problems can become impairments impacting surgical performance, patient outcomes, and career longevity. Human factors engineering has identified microbreaks coupled with activities as a viable strategy to counteract known physical, cognitive, and environmental stressors as well as mitigate neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) problems for workers in office and manufacturing domains. OBJECTIVE: Develop a novel set of intraoperative surgical microbreaks activities tailored for MIS surgeons to mitigate surgery-induced neuromusculoskeletal fatigue and pain. METHODS: Using NSM problems identified by practitioners and literature, a clinician determined causes and solutions and ranked them based on literature and clinical expertise. Solutions were incorporated into synchronized activities that addressed overarching goals and multiple tissues. RESULTS: The resulting activities, translating contemporary science in clinical physical medicine and rehabilitation practice and tissue biomechanics, specifically address the overarching goals of: 1) posture correction; 2) normalization of tissue tension and soft tissue mobility/gliding; and 3) relaxation/stress reduction. CONCLUSION: Surgeons can perform the activities in approximately one minute inside the sterile field. Movements encompassing multiple requirements and engaging multiple body segments are combined to provide an efficient and effective intervention to the target tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Muscle pain has been associated with reduced maximal muscle strength, and reduced rate of force development (RFD). Strength training (ST) has shown an effect in not only normalizing muscle function but also reducing neck muscle pain. Aim: The aims of this study were to compare muscle function in terms of strength, force steadiness in neck flexion, as well as extension, and rate of RFD of the shoulder in tension-type headache (TTH) patients and healthy controls and to examine the correlation to tenderness. Furthermore, the aim of the study was to examine the effect of ST on neck and shoulder functions in TTH patients. Participants and methods: In all, 60 TTH patients and 30 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were included for a case-control comparison. The 60 patients with TTH were randomized into an ST and an ergonomic and posture correction (EP) control group. The ST group trained for 10 weeks with elastic bands. Results: TTH patients had a lower extension force steadiness with a significant 15% higher coefficient of variation (CoV) compared to healthy controls (p=0.047). A significantly lower RFD (25%) was noted in the TTH group than in the healthy controls (p=0.031). A significant (p<0.01) and moderate correlation to muscle tenderness was found. In the intervention, 23 patients completed ST and 21 patients completed EP. No significant between-group effect was observed, but at 22 weeks follow-up, both groups had a significant within-group effect of improved extension force steadiness (ST: p=0.011 and EP: p<0.01). Conclusion: TTH patients showed a deteriorated muscle function, indicated by a lower force steadiness and RFD, compared to the healthy controls. The effect of ST was not larger than EP as both groups of TTH patients showed some improvement in neck and shoulder functions during the 10 weeks intervention and at follow-up. Future interventions are needed to elucidate if normalization of muscle function can lead to a reduction in headache. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]