Estimating and Conveying User Activity Levels in a Multi-User Computer Assisted Exercise Motivation System

The Electronic Multi-User Randomized Circuit Training (EMURCT, pronounced “emmersed”) system has been developed to utilize pervasive computing and communication technology to address the lack of motivation that individuals have for exercising regularly. EMURCT is capable of producing a totally different workout sessions with every use, for up to 7 trainees simultaneously using a common workout circuit, in an effort to reduce boredom. EMURCT is composed of three different components, a client application, an administrator application and a web service. This project also uses Wi-Fi signal strength to estimate the activity level of individuals using the system. Based on the activity level being read from each smart device, the event scheduler has the option of releasing any trainee from his/her assigned station if it feels that he/she is not working out, and someone else’s smart device is requesting that station. Initial experiments indicate that the best signal strength reading comes from preset, dedicated access points.

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Later sleep timing predicts accelerated summer weight gain among elementary school children: a prospective observational study

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s12966-021-01165-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jennette P. Moreno ◽

Javad Razjouyan ◽

Houston Lester ◽

Hafza Dadabhoy ◽

Mona Amirmazaheri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Observational Study ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Obesity Prevention ◽

Prospective Observational Study ◽

Light Exposure ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

School Year ◽

Children’S Sleep

Abstract Objectives and background Social demands of the school-year and summer environment may affect children’s sleep patterns and circadian rhythms during these periods. The current study examined differences in children’s sleep and circadian-related behaviors during the school-year and summer and explored the association between sleep and circadian parameters and change in body mass index (BMI) during these time periods. Methods This was a prospective observational study with 119 children ages 5 to 8 years with three sequential BMI assessments: early school-year (fall), late school-year (spring), and beginning of the following school-year in Houston, Texas, USA. Sleep midpoint, sleep duration, variability of sleep midpoint, physical activity, and light exposure were estimated using wrist-worn accelerometry during the school-year (fall) and summer. To examine the effect of sleep parameters, physical activity level, and light exposure on change in BMI, growth curve modeling was conducted controlling for age, race, sex, and chronotype. Results Children’s sleep midpoint shifted later by an average of 1.5 h during summer compared to the school-year. After controlling for covariates, later sleep midpoints predicted larger increases in BMI during summer, (γ = .0004, p = .03), but not during the school-year. Sleep duration, sleep midpoint variability, physical activity levels, and sedentary behavior were not associated with change in BMI during the school-year or summer. Females tended to increase their BMI at a faster rate during summer compared to males, γ = .06, p = .049. Greater amounts of outdoor light exposure (γ = −.01, p = .02) predicted smaller increases in school-year BMI. Conclusions Obesity prevention interventions may need to target different behaviors depending on whether children are in or out of school. Promotion of outdoor time during the school-year and earlier sleep times during the summer may be effective obesity prevention strategies during these respective times.

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Choroidal Thickness and Volume Modifications Induced by Aerobic Exercise in Healthy Young Adults

Ophthalmic Research ◽

10.1159/000511201 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Gema Insa-Sánchez ◽

Lorena Fuentes-Broto ◽

Alberto Cobos ◽

Elvira Orduna Hospital ◽

Francisco Segura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young Adults ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Choroidal Thickness ◽

Activity Level ◽

Enhanced Depth Imaging ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Imaging Protocol ◽

Post Exercise ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Introduction: Our aim was to evaluate the changes in choroidal thickness (CT) and volume (CV) following aerobic physical exercise in healthy young adults. Methods: This study included 72 eyes from healthy volunteers between 22 and 37 years old. Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, total physical activity was computed. Measurements using an autorefractometer, ocular biometry, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography using the Enhanced Depth Imaging protocol were taken. OCT was performed as a baseline measurement and after performing 10 min of dynamic physical exercise (3 and 10 min post-exercise). The choroidal layer was manually segmented, and the CT and CV in different areas from the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid were obtained. Results: In healthy adults, at 3 min post-exercise, CT was higher in the subfoveal, the 3-mm nasal, and the 6-mm superior areas. Between 3 and 10 min post-exercise, the CT was reduced in all areas, and in some areas, the values were even smaller than the baseline measurements. The CV values showed changes after exercise similar to those of thickness. The total CV recovery after exercise was related to sex and physical activity level. Conclusion: Individuals with higher physical activity habits had greater CV at rest than those with lower physical activity levels. During exercise, healthy young people adjust CT and CV. At 3 min post-exercise, CT and CV increase. Women and individuals with greater physical activity levels reduce their total CV more than others during recovery.

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82 The impact of feeding treats containing cannabidiol (CBD) on the daily activity level of dogs

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa278.109 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽

pp. 60-61

Author(s):

Elizabeth M Morris ◽

Susanna E Kitts-Morgan ◽

Dawn M Spangler ◽

Kyle R McLeod ◽

David L Harmon

Keyword(s):

Daily Activity ◽

Block Design ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Total Activity ◽

Time Of Day ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Quiet Time ◽

Activity Duration ◽

The Impact

Abstract Growing public interest in and use of Cannabidiol (CBD) in companion animals has amplified the need to elucidate potential impacts. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the impact of CBD on daily activity of adult dogs. Twenty-four dogs (18.0 ± 3.4 kg) were utilized in a randomized complete block design with treatments consisting of control, 2 mg CBD/kg BW/d, and 4 mg CBD/kg BW/d split between two treats administered after twice-daily exercise (7:00-9:00 and 17:00-19:00). Four hours each day (10:00-12:00, AM and 13:30-15:30, PM), were designated as time when no persons entered the kennels, with 2 h designated as Quiet Time and the other 2 h as Music Time, where calming music played over speakers. Quiet and Music sessions were randomly allotted to daily AM or PM times. Activity monitors were fitted to dogs’ collars for continuous collection of activity parameters. Data were collected over a 2-wk baseline period to block dogs by activity level (high or low) before randomly assigning dogs within each block to treatments. After 1 wk of treatment adaptation, activity parameters were collected for 2 wk. Data were tested for normality using the UNIVARIATE procedure in SAS before examining differences using the MIXED procedure in SAS, including effects of treatment, day, session (Quiet or Music), time of day (AM or PM), and accompanying interactions. CBD did not alter total activity points (P = 0.9971) or activity duration (P = 0.8776). CBD tended (P = 0.0692) to reduce scratching compared to control. Irrespective of treatment, dogs were more active in PM than AM (P < 0.0001). Regardless of session, dogs receiving 4 mg/kg/d tended (P = 0.0914) to be less active in the PM than control. CBD did not affect activity duration during exercise periods (P = 0.1425), but dogs receiving CBD ran more than control (P = 0.0339). These results indicate that when supplemented up to 4 mg/kg/d, CBD does not negatively impact daily activity levels of dogs.

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Reduced level of physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with depression and anxiety levels: an internet-based survey

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10470-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Paulo José Puccinelli ◽

Taline Santos da Costa ◽

Aldo Seffrin ◽

Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira ◽

Rodrigo Luiz Vancini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mood Disorders ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Mood State ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people’s general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity caused by social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age. Methods A self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information’s was answered by 2140 Brazilians of both sex who were recruited through online advertising. Results The physical activity level adopted during the period of social distancing (3.5 ± 0.8) was lower than that the adopted prior to the pandemic period (2.9 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

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Physical activity level of adult cats with varied feeding frequency

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114511001863 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 106 (S1) ◽

pp. S166-S169 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Ping Deng ◽

Ryan W. Grant ◽

Kelly S. Swanson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Activity Level ◽

Feeding Time ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Feeding Frequency ◽

Condition Score ◽

Adult Cats

The prevalence of feline obesity is influenced by numerous factors, including inactivity and overconsumption of food. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding frequency on physical activity in adult cats. A total of twelve healthy adult cats were used in a cross-over study consisting of 32 d. In each of the two periods, six cats were fed either two meals or four meals daily. Throughout the study, cats were fed the same diet at amounts to maintain body weight and body condition score. Cats were individually housed 4 h/d at each scheduled feeding time, while for the other 20 h, cats were group-housed to allow for voluntary physical activity in the room with a 16 h light–8 h dark cycle. Voluntary activity levels were evaluated using Actical activity collars for seven consecutive days in each period. Daily average activity level for two-meal-fed cats (20·04 (sem 2·19), activity counts/epoch (15 s)) was not different from four-meal-fed cats (20·14 (sem 2·15), activity counts/epoch (15 s); P>0·05). In conclusion, when group-housed cats are fed to maintain their body weight and body condition score, varied feeding frequency between twice and four times daily may not affect activity levels.

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How Much Observation Is Enough? Refining the Administration of SOPARC

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.8.8.1117 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 1117-1123 ◽

Cited By ~ 80

Author(s):

Deborah A. Cohen ◽

Claude Setodji ◽

Kelly R. Evenson ◽

Phillip Ward ◽

Sandra Lapham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Los Angeles ◽

Interobserver Reliability ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

User Characteristics ◽

Systematic Observation ◽

Robust Estimate ◽

Neighborhood Parks

Background:The Systematic Observation of Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) was designed to estimate the number and characteristics of people using neighborhood parks by assessing them 4 times/day, 7 days/week. We tested whether this schedule was adequate and determined the minimum number of observations necessary to provide a robust estimate of park user characteristics and their physical activity levels.Methods:We conducted observations every hour for 14 hours per day during 1 summer and 1 autumn week in 10 urban neighborhood parks: 2 each in Los Angeles, CA; Albuquerque, NM; Columbus, OH; Durham, NC; and Philadelphia, PA. We counted park users by gender, age group, apparent race/ethnicity, and activity level. We used a standardized Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients to test the reliability of using fewer observations.Results:We observed 76,632 individuals, an average of 547/park/day (range 155−786). Interobserver reliability ranged from 0.80 to 0.99. Obtaining a robust estimate of park user characteristics and their physical activity required a schedule of 4 days/week, 4 times/day.Conclusion:An abbreviated schedule of SOPARC was sufficient for estimating park use, park user characteristics, and physical activity. Applying these observation methods can augment physical activity surveillance.

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Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Daily Physical Activity in 7- to 12-Year-Old Boys

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.5.4.357 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 357-366 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa ◽

Mohammed A. Sulaiman

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Oxygen Uptake ◽

Maximal Oxygen Uptake ◽

Open Circuit ◽

Daily Physical Activity ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

School Time ◽

The Relationship

The present study examined the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and daily physical activity in a group of 7- to 12-year-old boys. V̇O2max was assessed through the incremental treadmill test using an open circuit system. Physical activity level was obtained from heart rate telemetry outside of school time for 8 hrs during weekdays and during 40 min of physical education classes. The findings indicated that the absolute value of V̇O2max increased with age, while relative to body weight it remained almost the same across age, with a mean of 48.4 ml · kg−1 · min−1. Moreover, heart rate telemetry showed that the boys spent a limited amount of time on activities that raise the heart rate to a level above 160 bpm (an average of 1.9%). In addition, V̇O2max was found to be significantly related to the percentage of time spent at activity levels at or above a heart rate of 140 bpm, but not with activity levels at or above a heart rate of 160 bpm.

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Pedestrian Activity Among California Adults

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.6.1.15 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 15-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Anna E. Mathews ◽

Natalie Colabianchi ◽

Brent Hutto ◽

Delores M. Pluto ◽

Steve P. Hooker

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Public Health Agencies ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Health Agencies ◽

Random Digit Dial

Background:The objectives of this study were to assess (1) pedestrian activity levels among adults, (2) where and why adults engage in pedestrian activity, and (3) what adults consider when deciding where to engage in pedestrian activity.Methods:Pedestrian activity was assessed in 12,036 California adults, ≥18 years, using a random digit-dial telephone survey.Results:Significant differences were identified by race, sex, age, and physical activity level in the type, location, and purpose of pedestrian activities. Men engage in pedestrian activity at work, and women engage in pedestrian activity while escorting children to school and running errands. Whites primarily engage in leisure-time pedestrian activity, and non-whites are more likely to engage in pedestrian activity for transportation. Older adults were less active than their younger counterparts.Conclusions:These findings should be considered by public health agencies and their partners as they continue to increase and promote opportunities for pedestrian activity. Additional research is needed to assess older adults’ physical activity patterns and preferences, barriers, and facilitators to effectively tailor physical activity promotion efforts to this at-risk group.

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Player Tracking Data Analytics as a Tool for Physical Performance Management in Football: A Case Study from Chelsea Football Club Academy

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports6040130 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 130 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Varuna De Silva ◽

Mike Caine ◽

James Skinner ◽

Safak Dogan ◽

Ahmet Kondoz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

High Speed ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Gradual Change ◽

Distribution Analysis ◽

Tracking Data ◽

Running Activity ◽

Player Tracking ◽

Movement Tracking

Background: Global positioning system (GPS) based player movement tracking data are widely used by professional football (soccer) clubs and academies to provide insight into activity demands during training and competitive matches. However, the use of movement tracking data to inform the design of training programmes is still an open research question. Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyse player tracking data to understand activity level differences between training and match sessions, with respect to different playing positions. Methods: This study analyses the per-session summary of historical movement data collected through GPS tracking to profile high-speed running activity as well as distance covered during training sessions as a whole and competitive matches. We utilise 20,913 data points collected from 53 football players aged between 18 and 23 at an elite football academy across four full seasons (2014–2018). Through ANOVA analysis and probability distribution analysis, we compare the activity demands, measured by the number of high-speed runs, the amount of high-speed distance, and distance covered by players in key playing positions, such as Central Midfielders, Full Backs, and Centre Forwards. Results and Implications: While there are significant positional differences in physical activity demands during competitive matches, the physical activity levels during training sessions do not show positional variations. In matches, the Centre Forwards face the highest demand for High Speed Runs (HSRs), compared to Central Midfielders and Full Backs. However, on average the Central Midfielders tend to cover more distance than Centre Forwards and Full Backs. An increase in high-speed work demand in matches and training over the past four seasons, also shown by a gradual change in the extreme values of high-speed running activity, was also found. This large-scale, longitudinal study makes an important contribution to the literature, providing novel insights from an elite performance environment about the relationship between player activity levels during training and match play, and how these vary by playing position.

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The Solar Twin Planet Search

Astronomy and Astrophysics ◽

10.1051/0004-6361/201629294 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 619 ◽

pp. A73 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Diego Lorenzo-Oliveira ◽

Fabrício C. Freitas ◽

Jorge Meléndez ◽

Megan Bedell ◽

Iván Ramírez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Solar Activity ◽

Activity Index ◽

Open Clusters ◽

Activity Level ◽

Age Dating ◽

Physical Parameters ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Sharp Drop ◽

Activity Diagram ◽

Activity Indices

Context. It is well known that the magnetic activity of solar-type stars decreases with age, but it is widely debated in the literature whether there is a smooth decline or if there is an early sharp drop until 1–2 Gyr that is followed by a relatively inactive constant phase. Aims. We revisited the activity-age relation using time-series observations of a large sample of solar twins whose precise isochronal ages and other important physical parameters have been determined. Methods. We measured the Ca II H and K activity indices using ≈9000 HARPS spectra of 82 solar twins. In addition, the average solar activity was calculated through asteroids and Moon reflection spectra using the same instrumentation. Thus, we transformed our activity indices into the S Mount Wilson scale (SMW), recalibrated the Mount Wilson absolute flux and photospheric correction equations as a function of Teff, and then computed an improved bolometric flux normalized activity index log R′HK (Teff) for the entire sample. Results. New relations between activity and the age of solar twins were derived by assessing the chromospheric age-dating limits using log R′HK (Teff). We measured an average solar activity of SMW = 0.1712 ± 0.0017 during solar magnetic cycles 23–24 covered by HARPS observations, and we also inferred an average of SMW = 0.1694 ± 0.0025 for cycles 10–24, anchored on a sunspot number correlation of S index versus. We also found a simple relation between the average and the dispersion of the activity levels of solar twins. This enabled us to predict the stellar variability effects on the age-activity diagram, and consequently, to estimate the chromospheric age uncertainties that are due to the same phenomena. The age-activity relation is still statistically significant up to ages around 6–7 Gyr, in agreement with previous works using open clusters and field stars with precise ages. Conclusions. Our research confirms that Ca II H & K lines remain a useful chromospheric evolution tracer until stars reach ages of at least 6–7 Gyr. We found evidence that for the most homogenous set of old stars, the chromospheric activity indices seem to continue to decrease after the solar age toward the end of the main sequence. Our results indicate that a significant part of the scatter observed in the age-activity relation of solar twins can be attributed to stellar cycle modulations effects. The Sun seems to have a normal activity level and variability for its age.

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