Smart Garment for Posture Correction – an
IMU textile vest providing real-time feedback
via haptic alerts.
Problem Statement
With modern lifestyles long desk hours, smartphone use poor posture has become
pervasive, causing back pain, spinal misalignment, and reduced productivity. Solutions
must be wearable, comfortable, and provide live correction to build lasting habits.
Objectives
● Detect slouching or forward head posture using embedded IMU sensors and/or textile-based
sEMG.
● Provide feedback (vibration and/or LED visual cues) to the user when bad posture persists.
● Log data for posture trends and user improvement over time.
System Design
● Sensors:
○ IMUs (accelerometer + gyroscope) at shoulder and lower back
mdpi.comlink.springer.com+3pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+3arxiv.org+3
○ Optional: sEMG electrodes at neck/shoulders for forward-head posture detection
mdpi.com
● Microcontroller: Small e-textile board (e.g. Adafruit FLORA or similar)
link.springer.com+1pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1
● Output: Vibrating motors integrated into garment; LEDs as visual cues
research.tue.nl+12link.springer.com+12researchgate.net+12
● Power: Rechargeable LiPo battery (≤ 3.7 V) discreetly placed in a pocket or collar.
Working (Block Diagram Description)
1. IMU/sEMG sensors continuously measure posture.
2. Microcontroller reads sensor data and compares against calibrated “correct posture” thresholds.
3. If deviation persists beyond X seconds:
○ Trigger vibration motors and/or LED signal.
4. Optionally, sync with a smartphone app for data logging and calibration.
5. User corrects posture; sensor data resets threshold state.
Materials Required
Benefits
● Real-time feedback promotes immediate correction—develops healthy posture habits.
● Comfortable and wearable—unobtrusive design encourages regular use.
nature.com+15researchgate.net+15mdpi.com+15link.springer.com+6researchgate.net+6en.wikipe
dia.org+6pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1researchgate.net+1link.springer.comen.wikipedia.org+1mdpi.co
m+1en.wikipedia.org+3pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+3researchgate.net+3
● Long-term data tracking—helps users visualize progress and refine posture over time.
Challenges
● Sensor calibration—individual posture variation needs personalized setup.
● Integration issues—embedding electronics into fabric without affecting flexibility or
washability. arxiv.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4arxiv.org+4en.wikipedia.org+1mdpi.com+1
● User comfort—vibration strength should be subtle enough not to irritate. LEDs must not be
distracting.
References & Where to Read More
1. Zishi: A smart garment with textile sensors + vibration feedback, designed for posture
monitoring in rehabilitation nature.com+15researchgate.net+15pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15
2. Smart wear with conductive yarn + multiple IMUs, achieving <4° error in sitting posture
arxiv.org+2pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2mdpi.com+2
3. Combining sEMG + IMU in e-textile vest for detecting forward-head posture
mdpi.com+1pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1
4. Aesthetic intelligent vest using MARG sensors + LEDs/vibration in 2025 link.springer.com
Explore Papers Here
● Zishi – posture correction garment (ResearchGate): 2016 project combining textile sensors and
vibration feedback.
● PMC smart wear (conductive yarn + IMUs): see “Development of an IMU Integrated Clothes
for Postural …”
● Sensor + aesthetics: “A Comprehensive Approach to Intelligent Garment for Posture Correction”
(2025) includes LEDs and FLORA microcontroller.
