If you’re hunched over the desk as you read this story then, ironically, this article could save your spine. That’s because it’s about a gadget that’s claimed to improve your posture.

iPosture vibrates to remind you to sit up straight

The iPosture is a 1in-wide white dongle that clips onto your clothing and is loaded with “intuitive technology” that senses when the body slouches. The gadget then vibrates intermittently until you correct your seating position.

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Moacir Schnapp, the device’s designer and a US-based neurologist, added that iPosture is filled with a “Wearable Intelligent Nano Sensor” microchip. This allows the gadget to monitor stance several times each second and detect any posture variation greater than 3° of movement.

Initially, iPosture should be worn for four hours each day. But Schnapp claimed that once users have gotten into the habit of good posture, then the gadget’s use could be reduced.

iPosture is available online now for $100 (€75/£50).