Remote Physical Activity Intervention Using Sensor, Wireless, and Internet Technologies

Although face-to-face physical activity (PA) intervention is more convenient and effective, its application has often been hampered by its high expenses. The new advancements of nano-sensors, system-on-a-chip (SoC), Internet and wireless communication technologies enable virtual face-to-face interventions enabled by more sophisticated scientific and physiological monitoring and assessments of PA even in remote sites. The purpose of this presentation is to introduce various new information technologies including nano-sensors, SoC, wireless technologies for ubiquitous and unconstrained monitoring of PA and also to present an efficient intervention environment based on Internet and mobile communication technologies, in which the safety, sustainability and efficacy of PA are guaranteed. Presentation will start a description of various physical and physiological sensors for monitoring PA in real-time, signal processing and prediction algorithms for assessing energy expenditure and for determining activity modes. It will be followed by an introduction of what kinds of wireless technologies could be used to build a Personal Area Network (PAN) of accelerators and biosensors centered in a mobile phone. We will present our prototype health promotion and management system as an example, which includes a stationary recumbent exercise bike that controls exercise load by a predefined personalized exercise prescription and adjusts it in real-time according to physiological status predicted through real-time heart rate and respiration monitoring. It also includes a biofeedback device for guiding meditation breathing to promote relaxation and to relieve mental stress. For active, unrestrictive and interactive intervention, the system is equipped with a web-based, mobile-enforced hub. The application of state-of-the-art IT technologies to promote PA enables an active intervention that more personalized and scientifically based but requiring less “labor” than traditional PA promotions. Virtual face-to-face interaction becomes more realistic than before, but there is still room for improvement. For completely unconstrained physical and physiological monitoring, new sensors and concepts need to be developed. Our prototype system will play as a testbed for assessing applicability of new technologies. In conclusion, IT technologies can be very helpful and effective for promoting PA in remote sites. IT technologies will contribute greatly to popularizing PA promotions efficiently and effectively at a lower cost. Presented examples show the future of ubiquitous monitoring and mentoring environments with computerized exercise systems for physical and mental exercise for improving sustainability and eventually increasing the efficacy and safety of PA and exercise.