Physical Activity and Technology

Original Editor - Anna Lowe

Top Contributors - Mariam Hashem, Admin, Wendy Walker, Simisola Ajeyalemi, Kim Jackson, Tony Lowe, Michelle Lee, Tarina van der Stockt, WikiSysop, Rucha Gadgil and Robin Tacchetti  

Introduction

Physiotherapy is not a fast moving profession and has been slow to engage with advances in technology. Wearable technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, accessible and user-friendly and the industry is booming. There is a wealth of technology focused on measuring health (including measuring PA) with the overarching aim of empowering patients and improving health.

For a comprehensive overview of what's on the market have a look at this website. Keep in mind that price, functionality, user-friendliness all vary.

There is evidence that the role of wearables in improving and maintaining health is becoming more accepted and that some gadgets are now being prescribed by health organisations. article

However, I think that most physiotherapists might agree that we are a long way off being able to prescribe wearables for our patients. However, we do have some ways of encouraging patients to use PA trackers to motivate and monitor their own PA by encouraging the use of smart phone apps (for those patients with smart phones of course!).  This is a low cost approach, it puts the onus on the patient and there are loads of fantastic options out there.  Here is a consumer overview of some of the best smart phone activity tracking apps.

In previous weeks we have discussed the fact that technology can be a barrier to physical activity in the shape of sedentary jobs, inactive gaming for kids, online shopping etc.  It's been said that physical activity has been designed out of our lives and this is largely related to advances in technology and convenience.  However, technology can be harnessed for good and it's essential that Physiotherapists are able to spot opportunities for ding this.  This blog post is written by a Physiotherapist and it explores the potential of Pokemon Go to stimulate physical activity. 

A related issue is one of access to technology, as the digital revolution continues and technology influences more and more of our lives it's important to consider the sectors of the population who may not be digitally enabled.  There is a significant overlap between the parts of the population who have the worst health (and are likely to be physically inactive) and the parts of the population who are not digitally enabled.  It's imperative that digital advances do not compound existing health inequalities; perhaps something to consider when you are thinking about how you might use technology to motivate or measure PA behaviour change.  For more on this subject read the recent report from the Tinder Foundation

Introduction

Technology is a double-edged sword. On the one hand it contributed to the increase in sedentary lifestyle across different age groups and socioeconomic levels. On the other hand, the widespread of fitness technology such as smartphone applications and wearable technologies offers innovative solutions to promote physical activity.

Currently, more than 6.8 billion people worldwide use mobile phones. A 2013 analysis revealed that there are over 40,000 health and fitness apps currently available to the public via iTunes (e.g., Map My Walk, Runkeeper, My Fitness Pal), and over half of smartphone users report having downloaded such an app.

Examples of devices that measures and track PA:

• Pedometers, count and monitor the number of steps taken during ambulatory activities such as walking, jogging, and running. They can also estimate distance and caloric expenditure but these measures are often less accurate. Pedometers can be carried in a pocket or a bag held close to the body but for more accurate counting they need to be attached to a waistband, around the ankle or in a shoe.
• Accelerometers: record body acceleration minute to minute, providing detailed information about the frequency, duration, intensity, and patterns of movement.  They are relatively more expensive than pedometers and used more widely in research.
• Heart rate monitors: are used primarily to assess exercise intensity for individuals with cardiac conditions and highly trained competitive athletes. These devices can also estimate the exercise energy expenditure.
• Smart Fabric and Sensor Technology.
• interactive video games such as Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), Wii Sports, Wii Fit, Sony Play Station, Xavix, and EyeToy games.
• Fitness tracks such as Fitbit, Garmin, Xiaomi and Misfit. Similar devices come in different prices and functions. They can monitor daily steps, heart rate, sports activities and sleep statistics. The data from these trackers can be packed up on the user’s online account so that they can monitor their personal goals and share it with their health care provider.
• Smartphone Applications, provide tracking for sports activities, steps, distance, and location.

References

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