Fitness Devices Research Articles

A recommendation approach for user privacy preferences in the fitness domain

Fitness trackers are undoubtedly gaining in popularity. As fitness-related data are persistently captured, stored, and processed by these devices, the need to ensure users’ privacy is becoming increasingly urgent. In this paper, we apply a data-driven approach to the development of privacy-setting recommendations for fitness devices. We first present a fitness data privacy model that we defined to represent users’ privacy preferences in a way that is unambiguous, compliant with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and able to represent both the user and the third party preferences. Our crowdsourced dataset is collected using current scenarios in the fitness domain and used to identify privacy profiles by applying machine learning techniques. We then examine different personal tracking data and user traits which can potentially drive the recommendation of privacy profiles to the users. Finally, a set of privacy-setting recommendation strategies with different guidance styles are designed based on the resulting profiles. Interestingly, our results show several semantic relationships among users’ traits, characteristics, and attitudes that are useful in providing privacy recommendations. Even though several works exist on privacy preference modeling, this paper makes a contribution in modeling privacy preferences for data sharing and processing in the IoT and fitness domain, with specific attention to GDPR compliance. Moreover, the identification of well-identified clusters of preferences and predictors of such clusters is a relevant contribution for user profiling and for the design of interactive recommendation strategies that aim to balance users’ control over their privacy permissions and the simplicity of setting these permissions.

Interim Analysis: Perioperative Wearable Fitness Devices Accelerate Recovery in Elective Abdominal Colorectal Surgery Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Interim Analysis: Perioperative Wearable Fitness Devices Accelerate Recovery in Elective Abdominal Colorectal Surgery Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The Effect of Environmental Changes on Hospital Employee Walking Duration

PURPOSE: Employee health is known to be associated with work-related physical exertion. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect on employee daily steps taken by transitioning a free-standing rehabilitation hospital to a larger facility and to compare step count differences across age, sex, and occupations. METHODS: Data from personal fitness devices linked to an employer-sponsored wellness program assessed the number of steps taken in two specific months (July and November) in the year prior to and in the year following the move to a rehabilitation facility three-times the size of the original. Participant data were only included for those enrolled in the program in these specific months pre- and post-move. Daily step counts accounted for activity both during and outside of work. RESULTS: Participants (n=70) had significantly less average daily steps for both July (9708 steps vs. 8008 p=0.02) and November (8839 vs. 7779 p=0.006) following the move to the new rehabilitation facility. Groups with significant step reduction included women compared to men (p=0.03), those aged 21-35 years (p=0.03), and the occupations of health care assistants (HCAs) and nursing (p=0.01), for both months. However, medical providers (physicians and nurse practitioners) had a trend towards increased step counts, regardless of age group or sex. CONCLUSION: Transitioning a rehabilitation facility to a larger building does not necessarily lead to increased employee work-related physical activity. In our study, the transition to a larger facility was associated with a reduction in employee daily steps taken with relation to age, gender, and occupation. These findings may reflect strategic planning within the new workspace, which optimizes efficiency specifically for nurses and HCAs, allowing occupational duties to be confined to a smaller area. This could lead to employees having less daily work-related physical exertion, although this will be investigated further in future studies.

Investigating the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Reported Rates of Exercise

PURPOSE: Social media has a large impact on body image and confidence. This study aims to gather information and examine correlations on the relationship between social media use and reported rates of exercise. METHODS: An observational study of participants (n=33) that own a wearable fitness device was conducted. Approximately 79% of participants were female, 52% of participants were aged 18-24, 30% aged 25-34, 12% aged 35-54, and 6% aged 55 and older. Participants completed a questionnaire asking them to describe their exercise and social media habits. Participants classified themselves as having an intermediate (51.5%), advanced (33.3%) or beginner (15.2%) proficiency in exercise. Descriptive statistics with means and frequencies were used to identify trends in social media use and exercise frequency. The relationship between social media use and exercise frequency were assessed though Spearman Correlation and Chi-Squared procedures. All analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Version 25. RESULTS: Participants reported exercising once a week (3.0%), 1-2 times per week (24.2%), 3-4 times per week (39.4%), 5 or more times per week (30.3%), or not currently exercising (3.0%). The preferred exercise type was aerobic (69.7%), followed by resistance (21.2%) and balance (9.1%). No participants reported posting their exercise to their social media accounts but 27.3% follow a fitness model or blog. There was a strong correlation between exercise frequency and following a fitness model or blog (r=-0.3, p=0.05) but the direct relationship was nonsignificant (χ2=5.4, p=0.3). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that there is a correlation between people who follow fitness models or exercise blogs and exercise frequency. Our research also suggests that there may be an underlying mediating variable driving this relationship. We plan to conduct a focus group to ask specific questions regarding social media’s influence on exercise. Future research should look at the mediating relationship between social media use and exercise frequency.

Study of the measurement method of zero position variation in a high-precision optical sight

Zero position variation is one of the important indicators to measure the stability of an optical sight. Repeated installation error cannot be ignored for high-precision optical sights. Thus we design a device that can automatically eliminate repeated installation error. It consists of an automatic fitting device with a spectroscope and an autocollimator. A micro-motion fine-tuned closed-loop feedback system is formed with a pressure sensor and a piezoelectric ceramic micro-displacement device to achieve real-time adjustment of the space posture of the spectroscope. The experimental verification shows that the accuracy of the system can achieve 1.5′′ within the 2° measurement range. Using this system, the precision of the zero position variation in a high-precision optical sight is up to 2′′, which is sufficient to meet the measurement requirements for the zero position variation in a high-precision optical sight.

Surveillance Capitalism, Datafication, and Unwaged Labour: The Rise of Wearable Fitness Devices and Interactive Life Insurance

This paper examines the relationship between interactive life insurance companies and their policyholders and the way in which wearable fitness devices are deployed by these companies as data-generating surveillance technologies instead of personal health and fitness devices. Working within an expanded framework of “surveillance capitalism” (Zuboff 2015), I argue that while the notion of self-care generally associated with wearable fitness devices is underpinned by neoliberal constructs, the incentivization of interactive life insurance programs works to obscure the immense value placed on information capital. This paper briefly considers the legal loopholes involved in the harvesting of sensitive health and fitness information from consumer wearables and suggests that the push toward fitness trackers has little to do with any real concerns for the health and fitness of consumers and policyholders. Lastly, I consider different forms of unwaged labour in the relationship between policyholders and interactive life insurance programs. I contend that policyholders do not recognise the free and immaterial labour that goes into sustaining the data-based business model that interactive life insurance companies and social media platforms use and rely on for profit. In so doing, they relinquish power and control over the data they work to produce, only so that the information can be commodified and used against them.

An Improved Logistic Model Illustrating Microcystis aeruginosa Growth Under Different Turbulent Mixing Conditions

To overcome the limitations of the normal logistic equation, we aimed to improve the logistic model under hydrodynamic conditions for the examination of the responses of cyanobacterium, coupled turbulence mixing, and growth of cyanobacterium in population dynamics models. Selecting Microcystis aeruginosa and experimenting with the ideal conditions in a laboratory beaker, the chlorophyll-a concentration reached the corresponding maximum under each turbulent condition compared with the control. According to the experiment results, the theory of mass transfer, turbulence mixing, and the logistic equation are organically combined. The improved logistic growth model of Microcystis aeruginosa and competition growth model in the symbiont Scenedesmus quadricauda under turbulent conditions were established. Using the MATLAB multi-parameter surface fitting device, both models produced good fitting effects, with R > 0.95, proving that the results fit the models, and demonstrating the relationship of the unity of nutrient transfer and algae growth affected by turbulence mixing. With continuous increases in turbulent mixing, the fitted curve became smoother and steadier. Algae stimulated by turbulence accelerate reproduction and fission to achieve population dominance. The improved logistic model quantitatively explains the Microcystis aeruginosa response to turbulence and provides a basis to represent ecological and biogeochemical processes in enclosed eutrophic water bodies.

Ankle-foot orthosis alignment affects running mechanics in individuals with lower limb injuries.

Individuals with severe lower extremity injuries often require ankle-foot orthoses to return to normal activities. Ankle-foot orthoses alignment is a key consideration during the clinical fitting process and may be particularly important during dynamic activities such as running. To investigate how 3° changes in sagittal plane ankle-foot orthoses alignment affect running mechanics. Controlled laboratory study. Twelve participants with unilateral lower limb injury ran overground and lower extremity running mechanics were assessed. Participants wore their passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses in three alignments: clinically fit neutral, 3° plantarflexed from clinically fit neutral, and 3° dorsiflexed from clinically fit neutral. The 3° changes in sagittal alignment significantly influenced ankle mechanics during running. The plantarflexed alignment significantly decreased the peak ankle plantarflexor moment, peak knee extensor moment, and peak ankle and knee power absorption and generation compared to more dorsiflexed alignments. Alignment also altered footstrike angle, with dorsiflexed alignments associated with a more dorsiflexed footstrike pattern and plantarflexed alignments toward a more plantarflexed footstrike pattern. However, alignment did not influence loading rate. Small changes in ankle-foot orthoses alignment significantly altered running mechanics, including footstrike angle, and knee extensor moments. Understanding how ankle-foot orthoses design parameters affect running mechanics may aid the development of evidence-based prescription guidelines and improve function for ankle-foot orthoses users who perform high-impact activities. Understanding how ankle-foot orthoses alignment impacts biomechanics should be a consideration when fitting passive-dynamic devices for higher impact activities, such as running. Individual running styles, including footstrike patterns, may be affected by small changes in alignment.

User Models for Personalized Physical Activity Interventions: Scoping Review.

BackgroundFitness devices have spurred the development of apps that aim to motivate users, through interventions, to increase their physical activity (PA). Personalization in the interventions is essential as the target users are diverse with respect to their activity levels, requirements, preferences, and behavior.ObjectiveThis review aimed to (1) identify different kinds of personalization in interventions for promoting PA among any type of user group, (2) identify user models used for providing personalization, and (3) identify gaps in the current literature and suggest future research directions.MethodsA scoping review was undertaken by searching the databases PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The main inclusion criteria were (1) studies that aimed to promote PA; (2) studies that had personalization, with the intention of promoting PA through technology-based interventions; and (3) studies that described user models for personalization.ResultsThe literature search resulted in 49 eligible studies. Of these, 67% (33/49) studies focused solely on increasing PA, whereas the remaining studies had other objectives, such as maintaining healthy lifestyle (8 studies), weight loss management (6 studies), and rehabilitation (2 studies). The reviewed studies provide personalization in 6 categories: goal recommendation, activity recommendation, fitness partner recommendation, educational content, motivational content, and intervention timing. With respect to the mode of generation, interventions were found to be semiautomated or automatic. Of these, the automatic interventions were either knowledge-based or data-driven or both. User models in the studies were constructed with parameters from 5 categories: PA profile, demographics, medical data, behavior change technique (BCT) parameters, and contextual information. Only 27 of the eligible studies evaluated the interventions for improvement in PA, and 16 of these concluded that the interventions to increase PA are more effective when they are personalized.ConclusionsThis review investigates personalization in the form of recommendations or feedback for increasing PA. On the basis of the review and gaps identified, research directions for improving the efficacy of personalized interventions are proposed. First, data-driven prediction techniques can facilitate effective personalization. Second, use of BCTs in automated interventions, and in combination with PA guidelines, are yet to be explored, and preliminary studies in this direction are promising. Third, systems with automated interventions also need to be suitably adapted to serve specific needs of patients with clinical conditions. Fourth, previous user models focus on single metric evaluations of PA instead of a potentially more effective, holistic, and multidimensional view. Fifth, with the widespread adoption of activity monitoring devices and mobile phones, personalized and dynamic user models can be created using available user data, including users’ social profile. Finally, the long-term effects of such interventions as well as the technology medium used for the interventions need to be evaluated rigorously.

Refining the Threat Calculus of Technology Threat Avoidance Theory

The number of people using fitness devices and mobile health applications creates unprecedented amounts of health-related fitness data. In the United States, healthcare regulations do not consider the data that these devices collect as protected health information when no covered entity is involved; therefore, the law does not provide such data with the same legal protections as an individual’s health records. Thus, users must ensure that they keep their data safe from potential data breaches and malicious activities. In this study, we analyze users’ motivations to implement safeguards to protect their private health-related fitness data. To test user motivation, we issued wearable activity tracking devices and an associated online health fitness data account to students. We instructed the students about how to use the fitness device and how the device connected to the user’s phone and Web-based application. We then had them complete a survey to determine how they form their threat perceptions and other factors influencing their avoidance motivations for computer-security incidents. With the exception of safeguard cost and privacy concerns, results support a revised threat calculus in the TTAT model and the original model constructs.

MEMS and Microfluidic Devices for Chemical and Biosensing

There has been a tremendous growth in the use of MEMS technology for physical sensing, enabled by low cost sensors and resonators for widespread use in smart phones and wearable electronic devices for health and fitness. MEMS technology is now being applied to chemical and biosensing in combination with microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices provide integrated liquid handling for assays and cell cultures. The detection of volatile organic compounds with micro-gas chromatography is another area where miniaturization can provide lower cost and portable instruments with widespread applications. These topics are areas for technical papers presented at the upcoming IMCS meeting in Montreal in May 2020.

A survey of single and multi-component Fractional-Order Elements (FOEs) and their applications

Fractional-Order circuits and networks being a widely researched field lags in its development due to the non-availability of its basic building block i.e. Fractional-Order Element (FOE). The FOE besides being compact and having wide frequency range should also be integrable with the Integrated Circuit (IC). In this paper, a detailed survey of single and multi-component FOE implementations has been carried out. The survey implies that a single component FOE is more suited for integration with the conventional circuitry but a market fit device is still a topic of research. Some future prospects and areas of research for the implementation of FOE have also been indicated in the paper. In addition, a survey of applications of single and multi-component FOE has also been included in the paper.

Usability Study of Mainstream Wearable Fitness Devices: Feature Analysis and System Usability Scale Evaluation

BackgroundWearable devices have the potential to promote a healthy lifestyle because of their real-time data monitoring capabilities. However, device usability is a critical factor that determines whether they will be adopted on a large scale. Usability studies on wearable devices are still scarce.ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the functions and attributes of seven mainstream wearable devices and to evaluate their usability.MethodsThe wearable devices selected were the Apple Watch, Samsung Gear S, Fitbit Surge, Jawbone Up3, Mi Band, Huawei Honor B2, and Misfit Shine. A mixed method of feature comparison and a System Usability Scale (SUS) evaluation based on 388 participants was applied; the higher the SUS score, the better the usability of the product.ResultsFor features, all devices had step counting, an activity timer, and distance recording functions. The Samsung Gear S had a unique sports track recording feature and the Huawei Honor B2 had a unique wireless earphone. The Apple Watch, Samsung Gear S, Jawbone Up3, and Fitbit Surge could measure heart rate. All the devices were able to monitor sleep, except the Apple Watch. For product characteristics, including attributes such as weight, battery life, price, and 22 functions such as step counting, activity time, activity type identification, sleep monitoring, and expandable new features, we found a very weak negative correlation between the SUS scores and price (r=−.10, P=.03) and devices that support expandable new features (r=−.11, P=.02), and a very weak positive correlation between the SUS scores and devices that support the activity type identification function (r=.11, P=.02). The Huawei Honor B2 received the highest score of mean 67.6 (SD 16.1); the lowest Apple Watch score was only 61.4 (SD 14.7). No significant difference was observed among brands. The SUS score had a moderate positive correlation with the user’s experience (length of time the device was used) (r=.32, P<.001); participants in the medical and health care industries gave a significantly higher score (mean 61.1, SD 17.9 vs mean 68.7, SD 14.5, P=.03).ConclusionsThe functions of wearable devices tend to be homogeneous and usability is similar across various brands. Overall, Mi Band had the lowest price and the lightest weight. Misfit Shine had the longest battery life and most functions, and participants in the medical and health care industries had the best evaluation of wearable devices. The perceived usability of mainstream wearable devices is unsatisfactory and customer loyalty is not high. A consumer’s SUS rating for a wearable device is related to their personal situation instead of the device brand. Device manufacturers should put more effort into developing innovative functions and improving the usability of their products by integrating more cognitive behavior change techniques.

Bimodal Hearing in Individuals with Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss: Benefits, Challenges, and Management.

Binaural hearing offers numerous advantages over monaural hearing. While bilateral implants are a successful treatment option for some patients, many individuals choose to achieve binaural hearing by using a cochlear implant with a contralateral hearing aid. Compared with monaural hearing, benefits of bimodal hearing include improved speech perception in quiet and in noise, improved localization, and more natural sound quality. Despite the advantages, there exist disadvantages to bimodal hearing, primarily related to binaural integration. Management of these devices can be challenging in that the hearing aid and cochlear implant may be managed by different clinicians. When fitting devices, strategies are recommended to optimize the integration of input from both devices. In managing bimodal devices, recommended outcomes measures include those that would reflect bimodal benefit, such as speech understanding in noise and spatial sound quality perception.

A Study into the Reliability of the Data Flow from GPS Enabled Portable Fitness Devices to the Internet.

The growth in availability and affordability of portable fitness devices (PFDs) has facilitated a concomitant growth in the collection and sharing of what are assumed to be reliable measures of exercise and physical activity. This data is increasingly used by fitness trainers to track performance progression, and plan training. Whilst the reliability and validity of these devices has been reported, investigation into the variance in the data at different access points is less well examined. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of the data flow from global positioning system enabled portable fitness devices, to the Internet, at multiple access points. Fifteen participants undertook four trials of two laps around a non-linear track (approximately 2350m per lap), at a self-determined pace, whilst wearing a PFD. Data was retrieved for comparison from three access points; a file recorded by the device, manually recorded data from the Internet, and a file retrieved from the Internet. There was no significant difference between the distance (p=0.98) and time (p=0.99) at any of the three points of access. However, recordings of elevation gain and loss were significantly different when compared across the three access points (p<0.05). It can be concluded from this study that the data flow from the PFDs used reliably reported the distance and time recorded at multiple access points, but the same was not true of the elevation gain and loss. Caution should be advised when comparing activity data from multiple access points to indicate performance progression or inform training plans.

Preliminary simulation model toward the study of the effects caused by different mandibular advancement devices in OSAS treatment

The paper aims to evaluate the effects caused by a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) treatment. This study is based on Finite Element Method (FEM) for evaluating the load distribution on temporomandibular joint, especially on the mandibular condyle and disc, and on periodontal ligaments. The stress values on condyle and periodontal ligaments lead authors to consider MAD a safe procedure even for a long period. The obtained results also show the relationship between MAD material and load distribution at the periodontal ligaments. The paper is a step toward future analyses for studying and comparing the effects of MAD features, such as material, shape and dimensions, in order to allow the clinician prescribing the most fitting device.

Measure, Record, Share: Weight Loss, Biometrics, and Self-Tracking in the U.S.

W earable fitness devices are currently enjoying a moment of heightened popularity. 2 Lupton D Self-tracking, health and medicine. Health Sociol Rev. 2017; 26: 1-5https://doi.org/10.1080/14461242.2016.1228149 Crossref Scopus (53) Google Scholar Health professionals, industry executives, and consumers all seem to be touting the possibility for these devices to assist with everything from chronic disease management to sleep monitoring and more. 3 Evenson KR Wen F Furberg RD Assessing validity of the Fitbit indicators for U.S. public health surveillance. Am J Prev Med. 2017; 53: 931-932https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.06.005 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar The popularity of these wearable health tracking devices is provoking a great deal of commentary in both professional and popular media. On one side, there are positive stories, as in the case where wearing a fitness tracker helped Emergency Department physicians save a man's life when he suffered a stroke. 4 Moore E Man's Fitbit helps save his life. USA Today. 2016; (Published April 9, 2016. Accessed May 31,)www.usatoday.com/story/tech/nation-now/2016/04/09/fitbit-mans-doctors-save-his-life/82830114/Date: 2018 Google Scholar Also, numerous clinical trials are underway using self-monitoring software technology as their major source of evidence. 5 Comstock J 18 more clinical trials using Fitbit activity tracker right now. Mobi Health News. 2018; (Published April 13, 2016. Accessed May 31,)www.mobihealthnews.com/content/18-more-clinical-trials-using-fitbit-activity-trackers-right-nowDate: 2018 Google Scholar On the other hand, some physicians have worried about how their medically inexpert patients might use or interpret the data their wearable device gives them, possibly jeopardizing their health. 6 Cha A Health and data: can digital fitness monitors revolutionize our lives?. The Guardian. 2015; (Published May 19, 2015. Accessed May 31,)www.theguardian.com/society/2015/may/19/digital-fitness-technology-data-heath-medicineDate: 2018 Google Scholar Other discourse about these devices can tend towards the dystopian in nature, rife with the possibility of infringements on privacy by workplaces and municipalities because the Fitbit brand of wearable tracker in particular has recently become a popular tool of corporate wellness programs. 7 Farr C How Fitbit became the next big thing in corporate wellness. Fast Company. 2016; (Published April 18, 2016. Accessed May 31,)www.fastcompany.com/3058462/how-fitbit-became-the-next-big-thing-in-corporate-wellnessDate: 2018 Google Scholar Though fitness tracking appears to have many potentially positive applications from a public health standpoint, concerns remain, ranging from the possible limitations of lasting behavioral changes, to the accuracy of devices, to the cost associated with acquiring the technology. 8 Cadmus-Bertram LA Marcus BH Patterson RE Parker BA Morey BL Randomized trial of a Fitbit-based physical activity intervention for women. Am J Prev Med. 2015; 49: 414-418https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2015.01.020 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (284) Google Scholar

Advertising in a Quantified World: A Proposed Model of Consumer Trust, Attitude Toward Personalized Advertising And Outcome Expectancies

As consumers increasingly integrate quantified self (QS) health and fitness tracking devices into their lives, the data they amass not only offer to help users live healthier lives, but also present opportunities for advertisers to target them with personalized messages based on their health-related behaviors. This survey-based study, utilizing a theoretical foundation of uses and gratifications (U&G) and communication privacy management (CPM), examines perceptions about the expected outcomes of convenient information seeking, personal status, and monetary incentives, in tandem with concerns about information privacy to predict QS health and fitness tracking device use, as well as attitudes about personalized advertising based on these data. Findings from a structural equation model analysis suggest this integrated theoretical approach offers helpful insights to advertisers seeking to leverage consumer data offered by QS health and fitness devices.

A comparative analysis of the lifestyles of male and female gymgoers

Unhealthy nutrition habits as well as sedentary and stressful lifestyles increase psychosocial pressures on individuals in the modern world. When such habits and lifestyles come together, the sensitivity of the organism increases and the physical and spiritual endurance of individuals decrease. Gyms have become a part of many peoples’ lives nowadaysThis study was conducted in 28 gyms in Kyrenia, Nicosia and Famagusta. Participants were 211 males and 240 females. A 30-item questionnaire was administered to the participants and the data were analysed quantitatively. T-test results revealed that male gymgoers smoked more than their female counterparts and that females followed health and wellness Social Media accounts more. Male participants shared their personal problems with close friends more, males were more capable of coping with stress, males experienced anxiety concerning their jobs less and males paid more attention to using wearable fitness devices. This study poses a number of implications for physical education teachers.Keywords: Health and wellness Social Media accounts; Nutrition; Wearable fitness devices; Physical fitness, Physical education.

Strategic Approach to Privacy Calculus of Wearable Device User Regarding Information Disclosure and Continuance Intention

The healthcare and fitness wearable-device market is considered as the driving force of the entire wearable device market. However, there are concerns with respect to information privacy because wearable devices constantly collect sensitive data such as individuals’ health information. Thus, there is a need for a comprehensive understanding from the perspective of information privacy concerns and related behavior. This study investigates factors considered in the privacy calculus of wearable fitness devices, and verifies differences obtained by the privacy calculus process according to the frequency of exercise. The results obtained from a survey of 248 undergraduate students in Korea revealed that service providers should consider users’ interests and exercise characteristics in order to mitigate their privacy concerns and encourage continuous use of wearable devices. This study provides useful insights pertaining to users of wearable fitness devices, and targets researchers and practitioners.