PostureCare is developing a smart solution to prevent postural problems and back pain in children and young people.
The PostureCare project aims to develop an innovative solution to prevent postural changes and back pain in children and young people. Led by Nellson Azevedo – Terapias Globais, Lda. and co-funded by COMPETE 2030, the initiative combines a smart wearable device, sensors, artificial intelligence and a therapeutic video game.
A response to a growing problem
Although it is more common in adulthood, back pain is increasingly affecting children and young people, and can hinder physical activity, encourage a sedentary lifestyle and lead to emotional consequences associated with prolonged pain.
The intensive use of computers, tablets, mobile phones and other devices contributes to the continued adoption of poor posture. Existing therapeutic solutions, such as physiotherapy and exercise, can lose their effectiveness when poor postural habits persist throughout the day.
Nelson Azevedo, CEO and Managing Director of Nellson Azevedo – Terapias Globais, Lda., explains the significance of the initiative: “PostureCare aims to address an increasingly common problem amongst children and young people: postural changes and the rising incidence of back pain. By integrating smart sensors, artificial intelligence and real-time biofeedback, we are developing a solution capable of monitoring posture, promoting the correction of postural habits and encouraging the adoption of healthier behaviours in a simple, intuitive and scientifically evidence-based way.”
A wearable device that monitors and corrects posture
The proposed solution is based on a wearable device capable of adapting to each user’s body structure and characteristics. The fabric will incorporate active filaments capable of extending and retracting in response to electrical impulses, enabling localised pressure to be applied and actively contributing to postural correction.
A system of flexible nano-actuators will control these fibres and monitor signals from muscle activity. The data collected will be processed via an Internet of Things platform and artificial intelligence algorithms, designed to identify harmful postures and determine the most appropriate corrective response.
The technology will be complemented by a video game designed for therapeutic sessions. Communicating directly with the wearable device, the app will suggest exercises, collect data and correct postural issues through a biofeedback process tailored to each young person’s progress.
Scientific knowledge transformed into innovation
For Nelson Azevedo, the realisation of this vision depends on collaboration between different fields of knowledge: “As the project lead for PostureCare, I believe that the support from COMPETE 2030 has been absolutely crucial in realising our vision of developing an innovative solution to promote musculoskeletal health. This funding has enabled us to bring together a multidisciplinary consortium, involving scientific, technological and clinical organisations, creating the necessary conditions to transform scientific knowledge into innovation with the potential to have a real impact on society.”
He adds that “COMPETE 2030’s support was essential for accelerating the technological development of the prototype, validating the solution in a real-world context and preparing its classification as a medical device, ensuring high standards of quality, safety and scientific rigour. In addition to the technological aspect, this investment has helped to strengthen collaboration between universities, companies and healthcare professionals, promoting knowledge transfer and increasing the potential for the economic exploitation of the project’s results.”
Prevention to improve quality of life
By combining continuous monitoring, personalised intervention and an approach tailored to younger people, PostureCare aims to bring about a change in the prevention and treatment of postural problems.
“We believe that PostureCare could be a game-changing tool in the prevention of postural changes and back pain, contributing to a better quality of life for younger generations and reducing the impact of these conditions on the healthcare system. COMPETE 2030 therefore represents much more than a funding mechanism: it is a strategic partner that makes it possible to transform research into innovation and innovation into tangible benefits for society”, concludes Nelson Azevedo.
Links
Nellson Azevedo | Website
29 September 2026
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