Innovative system for postural correction and back pain prevention in children and young people.
The main objective of the PostureCare project is to develop an innovative solution for monitoring, diagnosing and correcting postural changes in children and young people, through an intelligent wearable with integrated sensors, active fibres and a digital application powered by Artificial Intelligence.
Summary - Download the Technical Sheet (Note: Information is only available in Portuguese.)
Back pain is an increasingly common condition among young people, often associated with prolonged poor posture, sedentary lifestyles and intensive use of digital devices. In this context, PostureCare aims to create an integrated technological response capable of supporting postural prevention and correction in a personalised, interactive way, adapted to the users’ age group.
The solution to be developed combines a smart shirt with sensors for posture detection, muscle activity monitoring and fatigue assessment, with active fibres capable of responding to electrical stimuli through extension and retraction movements. This action will make it possible to promote postural correction in a localised way, adjusted to each user’s specific needs.
The system will also be controlled by a mobile application, which will communicate continuously with the wearable and with Artificial Intelligence algorithms. The application will include a video game designed to make postural correction sessions more appealing, encouraging the active participation of young people and contributing to the creation of healthier postural habits.
Objectives
The PostureCare project is based on the development of an integrated biofeedback solution for postural correction, bringing together expertise in health, fibrous materials, sensing, microelectronics, software and Artificial Intelligence. Its main objectives include:
Development of a smart, comfortable wearable adapted to children and young people, capable of integrating sensors, active fibres and electronic components without compromising the user’s mobility, ergonomics and comfort;
Development of a hybrid nano-sensor system for monitoring electromyographic activity and muscle fatigue, allowing a more accurate assessment of the muscle groups involved in each posture;
Development of active fibres capable of extension and retraction in response to electrical stimuli, promoting localised action adjusted to the required postural correction;
Integration of microelectronics and communication systems to connect the sensors, actuators, wearable, mobile application and data analysis platform;
Creation of Artificial Intelligence algorithms capable of interpreting the information collected by the wearable, identifying inadequate postural patterns and recommending action parameters for posture correction;
Development of a control application with an integrated video game, designed to motivate children and young people during postural correction sessions;
Validation of the prototype in clinical and school contexts, assessing its effectiveness in reducing pain, correcting posture, ensuring user comfort and measuring participant satisfaction.
Innovation
The solutions currently available for postural correction are mostly based on passive systems, such as braces or elastic wearables, or on external posture analysis technologies. These approaches present limitations in terms of adaptation to different body morphologies, comfort during prolonged use and active response capacity to the specific needs of each user.
PostureCare proposes a differentiated approach by integrating physiological monitoring, postural analysis, responsive action and digital entertainment into a single system. The solution does not merely identify incorrect posture: it aims to act directly on the wearable, through active fibres, to promote personalised postural correction.
The use of nano-sensors for EMG and SmO2 monitoring will make it possible to collect information on muscle activity and fatigue, contributing to a more complete reading of the user’s physiological state. At the same time, the active fibres will enable localised stimuli to be applied, supporting postural correction through a physical response integrated into the wearable itself.
The digital component also reinforces the project’s innovative character. The mobile application, supported by Artificial Intelligence algorithms, will analyse the collected data, generate recommendations and control the action of the fibres. The integration of a video game makes the experience more engaging for children and young people, transforming postural correction sessions into a more interactive, motivating process adapted to the target audience.
The PostureCare project is led by NATG and developed in co-promotion with INOVA+, the University of Minho, ISQ, INOV, Fibrenamics and Sidónios.
