Posture monitoring device for abnormal spine musculoskeletal detection using flex sensor

Abstract

During activity of daily living involving standing, sitting or maneuvering, humans are typically susceptible to neck and shoulder strain, and other musculoskeletal conditions, severity of which may lead to posture deformity. To prevent these clinical conditions, we developed a low-cost and user-friendly posture monitor mainly built on a single flex sensor. The design was based on abnormal posture detection by a flex sensor whose signal triggers a buzzer to notify the user or care giver of these clinical conditions. Through Arduino IDE, an ATmega328 microcontroller controlled the sequence of the flex sensing to the audible alarm output. The buzzer was designed to go off automatically when the user adjusts his/her posture to normalcy. With a sensitivity of 84.6% during testing of this device, the developed posture monitoring device could be adjudged effective and suitable to monitor people's posture while sitting or standing especially in environments where menial jobs are prevalent. In these individuals, this device may prevent deformity prone diseases that may warrant surgical intervention for correction.