Better Neutral: A Wearable Sound-Based Biofeedback System for Enhancing Pelvic Alignment in Pilates

INTRODUCTION: This paper introduces Better Neutral, a low-cost wearable IoT system designed to enhance Pilates practice through sound-based biofeedback. The system aims to address the challenge of maintaining proper pelvic alignment—particularly during supine exercises where visual monitoring is limited—by providing intuitive auditory cues instead of visual or continuous corrective feedback. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this research is to develop and evaluate an embodied interaction system that promotes somatic awareness and self-correction through subtle, non-intrusive auditory feedback. The goal is to support practitioners in recognizing and adjusting pelvic alignment independently during Pilates sessions. METHODS: The device employs a linear potentiometer to detect pelvic tilt and converts pressure variations into minimalist sound patterns. A user-specific calibration framework with adaptive thresholds ensures stable, individualized responses using commodity sensors. Grounded in soma design principles and informed by techniques derived from social network analysis, the system’s feedback design emphasizes interpretive engagement rather than prescriptive correction. RESULTS: A preliminary study with four participants across eight Pilates sessions generated 19,200 seconds of sensor data and qualitative reflections. Findings indicate improved pelvic control, heightened somatic awareness, and perceived support for autonomous practice. Participants recognized the auditory cues as both informative and non-distracting. CONCLUSION: This paper demonstrates how evocative sound feedback can foster embodied self-correction and engagement without overwhelming the user. This approach shows promise not only for Pilates practice but also for broader applications in posture training, rehabilitation, and preventive care.