Combining Motion Capture with Vibrotactile Feedback for Real-Time Posture Correction

Abstract

Container lashers are at a significant risk of developing musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) when working at port facilities. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) to the back, shoulders, wrists, and hands, in particular, are widespread. This work investigates the ability of a closed-loop vibrotactile motion guidance (VMG) system to teach an ergonomics-focused approach. The taught technique was developed for tensioning and loosening turnbuckles, an important step in container lashing. During five sessions, two groups, each with three participants, were observed. Participants' initial ability was tested in a baseline session. During this session, participants only receive auditory feedback. A VMG device is used to instruct the experimental group during the next three sessions. Traditional auditory feedback is used to teach the control group. Finally, neither group will wear the VMG device during the follow-up session. The findings of this study suggest that both VMG and auditory feedback training are effective training strategies for reducing postural error state (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank, p < 0.05). However, results suggest that VMG does not provide a significant error state reduction compared to auditory feedback training (Mann-Whitney, p > 0.05).

Keywords: Vibrotactile feedback, Motion Guidance, Posture Correction, Motion Capture

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1001906