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Effectiveness of Wearable Devices for Posture Correction: A Systematic Review of Evidence from Randomized and Quasi-Experimental Studies

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Resumo:Introduction: The increasing development of wearable devices for postural monitoring (provide feedback on posture) or correction (mechanical or biofeedback to promote change) is partly driven by the rising prevalence of poor posture in the general population and its impact on pain perception and functional capacity. Objective: Examine the effects of wearable devices on posture correction or prevention and on related outcomes, including postural alignment, muscle activity, pain and functional performance. Methods: The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro for studies published between 2012 and 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs involving participants with postural deviations or at risk of developing them, who underwent interventions using wearable devices that provided vibratory, auditory, visual, or tactile biofeedback. Results: Eight studies reported immediate improvements in postural alignment, body awareness, and self-reported pain, particularly with devices providing vibratory or visual biofeedback. Functional task stability improved, and muscle activity during risky postures decreased. However, the strong heterogeneity across devices and protocols, small sample sizes, short intervention durations, and, in some cases, the lack of independent control groups limit the strength and generalizability of these findings. Conclusions: Wearable devices have potential as complementary tools in physiotherapy due to their autonomous and potentially effective nature. Nevertheless, current evidence remains insufficient to support definitive clinical recommendations.
Autores principais:Caixeiro, Diogo
Outros Autores:Cordeiro, Tomás; Constantino, Leandro; Carreira, João; Mendes, Rui; Silva, Cândida G.; Castro, Maria António
Assunto:wearable devices postural alignment postural control biofeedback physiotherapy
Ano:2025
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:artigo
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra

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