Medical lifting devices and methods are disclosed. A lifting support device includes a garment configured to be worn by a user and at least one sensory feedback element. The sensory feedback element is coupled to the garment and is configured to provide sensory feedback to the user. The sensory feedback encourages the user to adopt an appropriate posture during a lifting operation. A lifting vest includes a load transfer element, a posture compliance element, a coupling device, and at least one sensory feedback element. The load transfer element is configured to transfer a weight of a load to a point over shoulders of a user and down to a lower torso of the user. The posture compliance element is configured to passively or actively enforce an appropriate back posture. The coupling device is configured to connect the load-transfer element to the postural compliance element.
