Poor posture is one of those things that does not get talked about too much, even though it does not look appealing visibly, its physical repercussions are rarely discussed. For example, a hunched back can cause various spinal issues later in one’s life.
When we our young a poor posture is compensated for by a healthy and powerful skeletal structure. However, as we age, our bones become less dense, therefore causing us various pain related issues.
Many studies have shown that poor posture can cause ailments like back pain, shoulder pain, muscle spasm, contractions, muscle stiffness etc. In a recent study conducted by the ACA (American Chiropractic Association) it was found that 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time.
Some other striking facts about poor posture and its repercussions include:
- In a study conducted by the GBD in 2010 it was found that ‘Low back pain was the single leading cause of disability worldwide. This is a remarkable statistic as it reflects how often we negate back pain to just a trivial ailment.
- Similarly, another statistical study done in relation to ‘Workplace Happiness and Safety’, it was found that ‘Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work’. In fact, the only problem higher on the list that back pain was circulatory and respiratory problems.
- A 2014 survey showed that ½ of all of America’s population suffers from back pain each year at some stage or the other.
- Extrapolation of statistical studies have predicted that during the course of any individual's lifetime, he/she will undergo back issues with almost a 80% probability ratio.
- Most cases back pain are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
- In terms of the global expenditure in medicine towards back issues, studies have found that ‘Americans spend at least $50 billion on identifiable cost factors’. 50 Billion for a problem as curable as back pain is pretty striking.
About SitAby Posture Proctor
SitAby Posture Proctor is an ‘award winning solution to the menaces caused by sitting, be it a wrong posture or longevity’. In its essence, the device can be thought of an a posture coach, it automatically senses and corrects any posture points where the body seems to be slacking.
The entire body is loaded with sensors, and thus when there is any slippage in back placement, the device automatically realigns itself subtly, thereby correcting the straightness of one’s spine and neck.
From a technical standpoint, the Sitaby is a ‘IoT device that has been mounted on a seat’. It is completely wireless, making it easy to use. Apart from its comfort factor, the Sitaby is intelligent, connected to mobile/cloud, and uses a robust and uniquely designed posture sensing algorithm.
All of the users posture data is captured in real time from ‘data points arranged in a matrix’, this signal is then transmitted to a central processing unit where the analysis is done and the posture archival for future references is stored in the databank.
Therefore, using this data bank of correct and optimal sitting posture, the mainframe allows users to see what exactly needs to be done in terms of functional optimisation. Since its launch, the Sitaby has received numerous accolades and praise from media outlets worldwide. Most recently, the device bagged coveted ‘InfyMakers award, India Edition’ by Infosys Ltd.
Key features and Benefits of SitAby Posture Proctor
SitAby Posture Proctor as mentioned earlier is a portable device that can be lugged around easily and placed on any chair that one plans on sitting on for long durations at a stretch. The device is easily synced to a ‘pre-paired user defined mobile’ and thereby starts streaming data between the principal device and the smartphone seamlessly.
Due to a 2.4 Ghz wireless transfer rate, subtle pressure differences are easily streamlined into the mobile application. The application uses all of the real time pressure, spatial data points and converts them into manageable, practical data for the device to use and realign itself.
After a couple of hours of use, the Sitaby is able to determine the ideal posture for one’s optimal health, and thereby allows users to receive notifications if they seem to be falling short in some way.
Some other key features include:
- The Sitaby automatically logs our sitting time determines (after careful calculations) whether the person needs a correction in his sitting posture or not.
- It navigates and keeps track of our sitting habits, incase we have extended periods of poor posture, the data can be supplied to a chiropractor for easier problem detection and absolution.
- Since it is small and lightweight, it can easily be lugged and and carried by us at all given times of the day
Potential Issues With SitAby Posture Proctor
Since the product is still in its infancy there are possibly various issues which the manufacturer might have not foreseen. For example, after long term use, the device may actually start to lose its sensitivity.
This important factor has not been accounted for, and therefore product life is still not completely certain. In a similar vein, the data handling capacity of various smartphones is different, thus it is of utmost importance that ‘real time data processing’ needs to be made available to a wide spectrum of mobile devices.
SitAby Posture Proctor Pricing and Availability
The product is still in its infancy, to purchase one needs to place an pre-order on the official kickstarter page. Early pledges begin from $99.00, wherein a single device which will eventually retail at $200.00 will be available at a discounted rate. Similarly other options include pledges of $299.00 and more.
