NecKorrect: Customisation Ergonomic Interventions for Cervical Spine Health

Abstract

Pillow design plays a critical role in spinal alignment and sleep quality. This study introduces NecKorrect, a data-driven ergonomic intervention designed to optimise cervical alignment through personalised curvature. Using a hybrid 3D and 2D anthropometric approach, we developed customised pillows and evaluated them through subjective comfort assessments and objective MRI-based biomechanical analysis. Results from five participants indicate that pillows maintaining a cervical Cobb angle of 7°–9° were associated with the highest comfort ratings for most users, though individual anatomical variations necessitated tailored interventions. A nonlinear relationship was observed between pillow slope and spinal correction, revealing a mechanical saturation threshold beyond which overcorrection may induce compensatory flexion. This research reveals the importance of personalised ergonomic solutions and provides a scalable framework for combining biomechanical correction with user subjective experience in pillow design.

Keywords: Ergonomic Design, Anthropometry, Customization Design, Pillow

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007467