SomaTech: an exploratory interface for altering movement habits

We propose SomaTech, a Kinect-based system that encourages users to expand understanding and awareness of their everyday movements. The system creates real-time auditory feedback based on the user's whole action, aiming toward re-education of habitual, potentially unsound movement patterns which are often ingrained within the brain. To do this, we draw inspiration from the field of somatics, which has well-studied prophylactic benefits. Our initial evaluation shows promising results that users become more aware of movement choices and are able to improve their efficiency after using the system.

[1]  Zoe Marquardt,et al.  Super Mirror: a kinect interface for ballet dancers , 2012, CHI EA '12.

[2]  Timothy W. Cacciatore,et al.  Improvement in automatic postural coordination following alexander technique lessons in a person with low back pain. , 2005, Physical Therapy.

[3]  Lorenzo Chiari,et al.  Audio-biofeedback for balance improvement: an accelerometry-based system , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.

[4]  Julie A. Kientz,et al.  Eyes-free yoga: an exergame using depth cameras for blind & low vision exercise , 2013, ASSETS.

[5]  Verónica Orvalho,et al.  Shape your body: control a virtual silhouette using body motion , 2012, CHI EA '12.

[6]  Massimo Bergamasco,et al.  Real-Time Gesture Recognition, Evaluation and Feed-Forward Correction of a Multimodal Tai-Chi Platform , 2008, HAID.

[7]  Frank Pierce Jones.  Body Awareness in Action: A Study of the Alexander Technique , 1976 .

[8]  W. Dauer,et al.  Primary dystonia: molecules and mechanisms , 2009, Nature Reviews Neurology.

[9]  Debbie Sharp,et al.  Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain , 2008, BMJ : British Medical Journal.

[10]  Regan L. Mandryk,et al.  Posture training with real-time visual feedback , 2013, CHI Extended Abstracts.

[11]  A Cappozzo,et al.  Sit-to-stand motor strategies investigated in able-bodied young and elderly subjects. , 2000, Journal of biomechanics.

[12]  C Stallibrass,et al.  Randomized controlled trial of the Alexander Technique for idiopathic Parkinson's disease , 2002, Clinical rehabilitation.

[13]  Helena M. Mentis,et al.  Bodily interaction in the dark , 2013, CHI.

[14]  Marc Le Brun,et al.  Digital Waveshaping Synthesis , 1979 .

[15]  A. P. Cawadias,et al.  “THE USE OF THE SELF” , 1932 .