An active wearable system includes a one or more positioning elements configured as a torso support and/or other wearable item, one or more sensors for sensing motion, posture, or gait of a subject, and at least one of force applying elements for applying force to selected regions of a body of a subject, and feedback device and other actuators, under the control of control circuitry responsive to sensed motion, posture or gait of the subject. In an aspect, force is applied according to spatial or temporal patterns. Related devices and methods are described.