SPoMo: IMU-based real-time sitting posture monitoring

Abstract

Improper sitting posture can lead to a number of serious health disorders connected to the musculoskeletal system. Especially nowadays sitting periods at work or at home are increasing, and therefore consistent stance monitoring can help users improve their sitting habits and avoid related complications. In this work, we present SPoMo a real-time, practical, wearable system that automatically tracks the user's sitting posture, through wireless sensors attached to his back. Our prototype is based on Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) that monitor the angle deviation from the optimal position. We have also developed a cloud-assisted mobile application able to continuously visualize the user's stance, archive his performance over time and provide insight for future development of proper posture. We focus on presenting SPoMo functionality and experimentally evaluate its performance. Our results prove our system to be accurate and therefore a good every-day solution that helps the consumer to avoid chronic improper posture.