Posture Lab: Quantifying Sitting/Standing Posture with Computer Vision and Wearable Sensors

Musculoskeletal disorders caused by poor posture are a significant health concern, particularly for office workers who maintain static postures for extended periods. This paper presents a prototype system designed to continuously track posture in a controlled testing environment as a primary healthcare service within workplaces. The system focuses on assessing two common posture indicators: forward head angle and kyphosis angle. Forward head angle is measured by detecting ArUco markers placed on specific bone landmarks captured by a webcam. Kyphosis angle is assessed by measuring inclination alpha/beta angles using wearable accelerometers. The system architecture consists of a web-based registration application and two desktop applications for specific assessments. Data is exchanged through a RESTful API and stored in a central database for report generation. This system offers a convenient and accessible tool for organizations to provide initial posture assessments for their employees, potentially reducing the risk of injuries and promoting better musculoskeletal health. Individuals identified with potential musculoskeletal disorder issues can be referred to qualified healthcare professionals for further evaluation and treatment.