Posture Pirates

*Posture Pirates is designed to provide motivation and safe, guided exercise to as many people as possible, helping them improve their core strength and posture. *

In the UK, NHS physiotherapy waiting times can vary significantly, leaving many people without immediate access to professional guidance for posture correction and back health. This can lead to worsening pain, poor mobility, and long-term musculoskeletal issues. Posture Pirates aims to bridge this gap by offering an interactive and engaging way to build core strength and develop better posture habits.

Unlike traditional posture-correction methods, such as reminder apps or wearable braces, Posture Pirates provides a fun, game-based approach that keeps users motivated. By fostering a social, competitive atmosphere, users are encouraged to start their fitness journey and stay committed to it over time..

Posture Pirates uses a hardware setup consisting of an Arduino Uno microcontroller and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This design is intentionally simple and low-cost, making it easy to replicate for anyone interested in building their own device. The Arduino can be swapped for any small microcontroller, and the IMU can be replaced with a basic 3-axis accelerometer, ensuring flexibility and affordability.

The device is designed for maximum comfort and accessibility. It can be sewn or Velcro-attached to a sports bra or tight-fitting top, making it suitable for users of all body sizes. This approach ensures that players can move freely without discomfort while engaging with the game.

While our prototype uses a wired connection due to hardware limitations, we designed all minigames to avoid movements that could cause cable disconnections. Future iterations could incorporate wireless communication via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for greater convenience.

The two minigames currently in circulation within application are Cannon Chaos and Plank Peril.

Posture Pirates is not just a tracking tool, it’s an immersive gaming experience. The application currently features two minigames that transform posture and core exercises into fun challenges.

Cannon Chaos is based on the 'lean back' movement used to improve core strength and stretch out the lower back muscles. The player must lean back and forth to avoid the cannon balls that fly straight down towards the pirate character

Plank Peril is a game that recommends a balance board, however beginners could also stand on one foot to simulate the same challenge.

Posture Pirates gives user motivation to keep up with their posture awareness through in game rewards and friendly competition.

Our users receive in game credits when they: complete a user set goal to keep good posture for a set amount of time; when they get a high score in games and when they use the game for multiple days in a row. Your posture is always visible to your friends so they can keep you accountable too.

the application is made entirely in python in the PANDAS3D extension so that it can be played on low spec PCs with low storage.

Challenges We Ran Into

The main challenge was designing a system that could be used by a broad audience. We wanted Posture Pirates to be inclusive, allowing users of different body types and fitness levels to participate comfortably. Ensuring that the hardware was adaptable and non-restrictive was a key design consideration. Additionally, we had to balance making the minigames engaging while still keeping the exercises beneficial and safe.

Accomplishments We Are Proud Of

We are incredibly proud of what we achieved in such a short time frame. Despite having no prior experience in Blender or Python, we successfully created a functional prototype that includes custom 3D models, a working sensor system, and an engaging game experience. The ability to develop a fully interactive and accessible posture-correction game within 24 hours is an achievement we are particularly excited about.

We also take pride in making Posture Pirates an inclusive solution. By designing the wearable sensor to be adaptable to different clothing styles and body types, we have ensured that the game is accessible to a wide range of users. Additionally, our focus on making the game compatible with low-spec PCs ensures that financial limitations do not prevent people from benefiting from the tool.

What We Learned

Throughout the development of Posture Pirates, we gained valuable skills in multiple areas, including game development, hardware integration, and user experience design. Learning Blender from scratch allowed us to create engaging 3D models, while working with Panda3D and Python gave us insight into game mechanics and optimisation for low-spec devices.

We also gained a deeper understanding of posture science and how to design exercises that are both effective and engaging. Through researching physiotherapy techniques, we ensured that our minigames provided real benefits to users beyond just entertainment.

Additionally, we learned about the importance of accessibility in design. Considering different body types, movement limitations, and affordability helped us create a more inclusive product that can reach a wider audience.

What's Next for Posture Pirates

Posture Pirates is just the beginning. We have a vision to expand and enhance the game in multiple ways. In the short term, we aim to introduce additional minigames targeting different postural exercises, ensuring users can strengthen a wider range of muscles. We also plan to refine motion tracking by incorporating AI-based movement analysis, which would allow for more precise posture correction feedback.

A major next step is implementing wireless connectivity, allowing for a fully portable experience. By integrating Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modules, users would no longer be limited by wired connections, making the device more convenient to use. We also plan to develop a mobile version of the game, making it accessible beyond just PC users.

Inclusivity remains a key focus for us, and we want to ensure that Posture Pirates can be adapted for individuals with mobility challenges. By introducing adjustable difficulty levels and alternative input methods, we aim to create an experience that is welcoming to all users. Turning fitness into an interactive adventure helps people develop better habits that will support their long-term health.