Design and phototyping of wearable spine posture and shoulders corrector

Abstract

Neck and shoulder pain are prevalent health issues, often stemming from poor posture, muscle strain, or cervical spine misalignment. This research endeavors to address these concerns through the design and development of a prototype wearable spine posture and shoulders stabilizer. The aim of this study is to create a wearable device that provides support and alignment to the cervical spine and shoulders, ultimately offering relief from discomfort, improving posture, and enhancing overall well-being. Additionally, the research incorporates the use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) as circuit system of devices. Initially, the research employed a questionnaire-based approach to investigate the factors influencing poor posture and its associated impacts. Through the utilization of cross-tabulation techniques in SPSS, the study revealed that 62% of respondents experienced both back and neck pain, while 17% reported back pain alone, another 17% reported neck pain exclusively, and 5% declared no pain. Furthermore, the research indicated that sitting position emerged as a significant contributing factor to various forms of discomfort, ultimately leading to back pain, curved necks, and related consequences. In a broader context, the study underscored the importance of wearable device design, as all respondents expressed a clear need for such devices. In summary, the Wearable Spine posture and Shoulder Stabilizer (WSPSS) proposed in this research serves as a viable solution to the challenges associated with poor posture and rounded shoulders, by limiting the movement of the spinal cord and shoulder blades; it assists in restoring an abnormal spinal cord shape. Moreover, Future directions for research and development are identified, including potential collaborations with healthcare providers and expansion into wearable healthcare technology.