CES 2017 - Health, Fitness, & Wellness, Technology (part 1)

Attending the CES has been a bucket list item as I would usually be watching events stream live from my computer, but this year I had the chance to spend two days at the largest consumer electronics expo in the world in Las Vegas.

One of the booths that was showcasing at CES was Peleton Cycle which is promoting itself as "Indoor cycling: reimagined for the home."

I like to classify these platforms more as a bike simulator with some gaming components built-in. including social networking, and responsive bike settings (elevation, intensity, pace). What I worry about most is the biometric feedback that could be collected and fed into algorithm to ensure exercise safety (but I understand that may open many companies up to liability and negligence claims).









We've featured exergaming bikes for a long time on this blog including a (at the time) comprehensive review of exergame bikes)

1. http://www.exergamelab.org/2015/06/virtual-reality-fitness-latest-fitness.html
2. http://www.exergamelab.org/2014/03/fivis-bicycle-safety-simulator-exergame.html
3. http://www.exergamelab.org/2013/11/cyberbike-smart-tv-exergaming-on.html#more
4. http://www.exergamelab.org/2012/04/mario-kart-exergame-bike-mod.html
5. http://www.exergamelab.org/2012/05/exergaming-co-play-friends-with.html
6. http://www.exergamelab.org/2010/01/get-your-bike-on-exergaming-bike.html
7. http://www.exergamelab.org/2010/06/heart-rate-and-perceived-exertion.html?spref=tw
8. http://www.exergamelab.org/2009/10/hondas-bicycle-simulator-for-safe.html
9. http://www.exergamelab.org/2011/06/exergaming-heart-rate-and-perceived.html

  Click here to read more of ExerGame Lab's archived posts involving research studies. 

GranataPet #SnackBall iBeacon #Exegaming For Dogs

GranataPet #SnackBall is an interesting project from the pet food company that aims to keep dogs healthy in the park with their new "fitness ecosystem" AKA - a healthy and active lifestyle. By tweeting out a message with #SnackBall hashtag, the machine launches a ball away from the main unit, if the dog returns the ball fast enough, it gets a snack released from the machine. Along with the dog's size, the speed of the ball return and distance was calculated using an Arduino (insterted into a tennis ball) and iBeacon technology. If the return was too slow, no food will be dispensed and your best friend just might not be that happy to be in the park.


Although SnackBall is not to be confused with their earlier SnackCheck (2011) project which incorporated FourSquare - which used the slogan "Check in, Snack Out"

Exergaming Points 2 Ponder (ExP2P)

• Using a camera to estimate the size of the dog, the timer is set to as to how long it should take for it to return the ball. I guess as in humans, using size to approximate level of fitness might not always yield positive results and correlations.
• I wonder if there is a limit of how many times an owner can use the SnackBall machine. I suppose even if a dog kept getting snacks, eventually it would both tire physically and slow down because of all the extra food they've eaten.
• For humans, how do we balance the extrinsic rewards that are given for a task with helping our clients, team, students develop intrinsic motivation and prolonged positive behaviors and/or changes.

Click here to read more of ExerGame Lab's archived posts involving advertising

Related articles

• Can iBeacons improve health behaviors and attitudes?
• KPT Smileball: Smile Controlled Pinball Machine and App

Most Active Tweets for @syangman (04/10-05/18)

Thanks to Twitter's great Analytics tools, you can find out lots of instant data on the activity of your tweets. Here are some of the more active tweets from my @syangman profile. Have a great weekend and stay active and well with your friends and family!

1. 200+ articles on Interactive Health Technology & #wearabletech #FitTech buff.ly/1jcHfFf13 clicks via@Flipboard pic.twitter.com/tCp4ehClEz
2. Virtual reality preps for impact in healthcare,... via @mynewsana bit.ly/1qqhPrL
3. Xbox One Kinect used in therapies for kids with cerebral palsy sbn.to/1kQJwmv9 clicks via @Polygon#exergaming @gamesforhealth #gfh
4. @gamesforhealth Conf 2014 Boston 6/18-6/20. 3Days exploring videogame help with health+health…buff.ly/1iyrbxi6 clicks pic.twitter.com/bwj0cGcciC
5. Lumafit #fitnesstracker #kickstarter aims to improve fitness and #mindfulness #quantifiedself #fittechflip.it/88hWU
6. Tom Tom Run Run To head of the #fitnesstracker pack with GPS and HR watch? #wearabletech@ILoveMyPebble flip.it/OzU4A
7. Just listened to @30secToVictory @JustinFitLLC @FitnessPsych podcast. Awesome advice and information! Thanks :) #happymonday
8. Owlet smart sock for infants #wearabletech pairs with #mhealth app via Bluetooth syncs HR data + +@mobihealth flip.it/X1VUI
9. XBand Speed Pro sensor fitness app measures speed and agility #wearabletech #fitnesstrackerflip.it/AbYAn
10. UMapMyFitness and Under Armour joining forces buff.ly/1jzgaq62 clicks #fitnesstracker #FitTech#wearabletech pic.twitter.com/3bGheYCKHj

View my Flipboard Magazine. View my Flipboard Magazine. View my Flipboard Magazine. View my Flipboard Magazine.
Click here to read more of ExerGame Lab's archived posts involving research studies. 

Related articles

• Race Yourself to a Fitter You With Google Glass (Mobile Fitness #Exergame)
• Dustcloud Brings Laser Six Shooters to a Live RPG #Mobile #Exergame
• Tappy Fit Uses Fitbit Fitness Data for Rewards in Flappy Bird-like Mobile #exergame #GFH
• Are #exergames effective? #Exergaming criticism & infographic

NEON FM by Unit E Rhythm Arcade #Exergaming

Fast-paced arcade #exergaming just got more rhythm with Neon FM by Unit E. With easy unlimited multi-player linking machines (not sure if there is remote / online linking), smartphone login via the Cardiac QR system, and a "Fail No More" leveling system that adjust for poor performances that won't end the game– but will automatically reduce the difficulty (Competence) while you’re playing. A mobile version is reportedly coming this spring 2014, keep your eye out for it.

I also love this feature that I haven't seen on other arcade machines:

Try before you buy
Players can sample songs before they even put coins into the machine!

Thanks to Arcade Heroes for the tip.
http://www.unite.vg/dt_catalog/neon-fm/





Exergaming Points 2 Ponder (ExP2P)

• Reducing the level of difficulty in-game is a huge shift in game-play options as it is more likely to encourage those who find a level particularly difficult (especially for the beginners)
• For those new to rhythm gaming, hand-eye coordination, audio/sound/rhythm coordination, anticipation, agility, and kinesthetic awareness are the primary skill-related and health-related fitness skills required to be successful.
• Now I'm sure if we were to measure heart-rate and energy expenditure using NEON FM we would get the full-range from low, to moderate to vigorous intensities and this might be a little more strenuous than the typical motion gaming titles like Wii Sports (probably on par with Wii Boxing).

Concluding Thoughts
Exergaming especially when combined with extended periods of time can be beneficial to health outcomes like cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Along with coordinated rapid hand-eye movements and social interaction, video gaming can provide health benefits that "more than meets the eye"


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Click here to explore more of ExerGame Lab's archived posts involving research studies. 

Related articles

• Race Yourself to a Fitter You With Google Glass (Mobile Fitness #Exergame)
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• Fitness & Rehabilitation ATHENE #Exergaming Wins 2nd Place at FIBO
• KPT Smileball: Smile Controlled Pinball Machine and App

Fitness & Rehabilitation ATHENE #Exergaming Wins 2nd Place at FIBO

Combining typical workout machines (treadmill, exercise bike, rowing device, cross-stepper, ski ergometer) with #Kinect sensors CSE in Finland created a virtual-reality like environment to improve fitness, rehabilitation, and even orienteering.

Their work recently received 2nd best in New Innovation category at #FIBO!

Click here to read more of ExerGame Lab's archived posts involving exergaming simulators. 

Related articles

• Seniors enjoy playing #exergames at moderate intensity levels [Study]
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• FIVIS: Bicycle Safety Simulator #exergame
• Race Yourself to a Fitter You With Google Glass (Mobile Fitness #Exergame)
• Pavigym 3.0 #Exergaming Fitness Center

Adidas miCoach goes #exergaming

Adidas is jumping into the #exergaming arena with Kinect and PS3 versions due this summer 2012 with the typical fitness routines and exercise we've seen before but will also feature 18 of Adidas’ athletes including Dwight Howard.


Exergaming Points 2 Ponder (P2P)

• What type of interaction will it have besides leading you through exercises and routines?
• Which game elements or mini-games will come with it?
• Will it have any substantial game-play or story lines? Or will it be another competitor to Your Shape Fitness Evolved, Jillian Michaels, Biggest Loser, EA SPORTS Active/NFL Training Camp, and Wii Fit? 
• Will there be online leaderboards, competitions, and other social metrics tracked?
• What type of Avatar will be presented on screen?
• Wire frame
• How big will the Avatar be in comparison to the virtual leader?
• Will there be tie-ins and sync with miCoach stats from mobile devices and accounts?

Basketball shooting looks to be as bad as the Wii:-(

Adidas miCoach Gets in the Game
Click here to explore more of ExerGame Lab's archived posts involving research studies. 

Related articles

• 505 Games to publish Adidas miCoach game (slashgear.com)
• Adidas MiCoach for PS3 and Xbox Back on Track for Summer Release (ps3fitness.com)

Can We Design a Fit City? (study)

Myth or Fact?
My colleagues and I often discuss the importance of coordinated planning for all municipalities and governments to create a healthier city and citizens. In Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory - he posits that we each have multiple environmental systems that influence our development physically, cognitively, and affectively (Three domains of learning). In using physical activity as an explicit outcome (instead of an implicit factor or by-product of policy changes).

Herrick, C. (2009). Designing the fit city: public health, active lives, and the (re)instrumentalization of urban space Environment and Planning A, 41 (10), 2437-2454 DOI: 10.1068/a41309
[Via Environment and Planning]

Abstract
The relationship between the built environment, physical activity, and well-being is currently attracting concerted government attention in the UK which has been formalized through new sets of urban planning and design guidelines. In light of this, the author argues that the domains of intersection between the physical environment and governmental health and social agendas need further exploration. Furthermore, she asserts that urban geographers are theoretically and empirically well placed to undertake valuable and much needed research agendas within these domains. To explore these assertions, the author first sets out the recent turn to physical activity as an explicit policy concern. She then critically interrogates two recent sets of design guidelines, Active Design (Sport England) and the 2008 NICE guidance within the context of current UK policy thinking, before exploring the problematic nature of the instrumental readings of space they present. It is argued that this instrumental rationale may sanction the neglect of the intrinsic value and importance of active lives themselves to urban spaces, which, it is asserted, can have marked impacts on well-being. An appreciation of this opens up new geographical research agendas with respect to the built form, public health, and governance.
[Image by Cornell University Library via Flickr]

Related articles

• Toward the Healthy City - People, Places, and the Politics of Urban Planning (healthycities.wordpress.com)

ExerGamer Hands Looks to "Push-Up" into ExerGaming Market

Stay with me on this newly released product called the ExerGamer. So from what I can gather this device with the hand switches and cables attached to your chest essentially act as a joystick/keyboard arrows to "play" your game on a PC. You can either play your games in the push-up position or standing and moving around the ExerGamer "base". I guess the idea is to reposition your hands and body according to your pre-mapped positions.

*BTW - Don't watch the video if you want to know how to play the ExerGamer (6:30 minutes)

Apparently he is also preparing an Exergamer App Store to distribute any games they accept and share 80% of profits with the developers.

Points 2 Ponder:

• It reads that "vertical movements...[are] comparable to the pressing and releasing of a joystick trigger or left mouse button". 
• So does that mean in essence doing a push-up?  
• To shoot or use your trigger you need to do a push-up? 
• If you were standing up, would you have to jump to use the trigger, left-mouse?
• Games would be over pretty quickly for any shooting game.
• I like the customizability of the JS Mapper software as it allows for multiple user preferences and abilities.
• Being in the plank position for any amount of time is difficult, but having to also look at your laptop on the floor while playing and moving around in your game, essentially forces your neck into an awkward hyper-extended position....ouch.
• I think it is also seems a little uncomfortable having to do push-ups, move around then have to pick-up your Exergamer Hands and re-position them without leaving the push-up position.
• I'd like to try the ExerGamer to see how it works. I know the movements would be a fantastic workout, but I worry about the effect on the games and the enjoyment levels.

Click below to read more from the ExerGamer website.

High intensity exercises reduce CVD risk factors better than aerobic activities in adolescent youth (study)

This article examines the effects of brief, intense exercise in comparison with traditional endurance exercise on both novel and traditional markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in youth.

The effects of time and intensity of exercise on novel and established markers of CVD in adolescent youth - Buchan - 2011 - American Journal of Human Biology

Buchan, D., Ollis, S., Young, J., Thomas, N., Cooper, S., Tong, T., Nie, J., Malina, R., & Baker, J. (2011). The effects of time and intensity of exercise on novel and established markers of CVD in adolescent youth American Journal of Human Biology DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.21166

We've know for a while the importance of high-intensity exercises and how it can be used to develop fitness levels. Even though the periods (durations) may be shorter than typical aerobic activities, the benefits are usually longer lasting and the improvements to cardiovascular health are more significant.

Exergaming Points to Ponder (P2P)
Which exergames have the potential to illicit short but intense bouts of exercise?  These are some that come to mind, what have I missed?

1. EyeToy Kinetic (PS2)
2. Microsoft Kinect [UPDATED 4/15/2011 - Adventures - Rallyball, Reflex Ridge and Space Pop]
3. Wii Sports Boxing
4. Trazer 2
5. Lightspace Wall or Floor
6. XaviX J-Mat (10 second step test)
7. Makoto

Objectives:
This article examines the effects of brief, intense exercise in comparison with traditional endurance exercise on both novel and traditional markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in youth.

Methods:
Forty seven boys and ten girls (16.4 ± 0.7 years of age) were divided into a moderate (MOD), high intensity (HIT), or a control group. The MOD group (12 boys, 4 girls) and HIT group (15 boys, 2 girls) performed three weekly exercise sessions over 7 weeks. Each session consisted of either four to six repeats of maximal sprint running within a 20 m area with 20–30 s recovery (HIT) or 20 min continuous running within a 20 m area at ∼70% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).

Results:
Total exercise time commitment over the intervention was 420 min (MOD) and 63 min (HIT). Training volume was 85% lower for the HIT group. Total estimated energy expenditure was ∼907.2 kcal (HIT) and ∼4410 kcal (MOD). Significant improvements (P ≤ 0.05) were found in systolic blood pressure, aerobic fitness, and body mass index (BMI) postintervention (HIT). In the MOD group, significant (P ≤ 0.05) improvements were noted in aerobic fitness, percentage body fat (%BF), BMI, fibrinogen (Fg), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and insulin concentrations.

Conclusions:
These findings demonstrate that brief, intense exercise is a time efficient means for improving CVD risk factors in adolescents

Related articles

• Better a sprint than a marathon: Brief intense exercise better than endurance training for CVD (physorg.com)
• Short, intense exercise can also improve heart health: study (canada.com)
• A quick sprint beats a long run when it comes to your health (dailymail.co.uk)

Nickelodeon Fit Jumps Into Exergaming (E3)

Buried under the hundreds of other press release at E3, 2K Play and Nickelodeon have developed the first child-based exergame for Wii Fit. In coordination with PE expert Jackie Goodway (Chair of NASPE's Active Start committee), Nickelodeon Fit is based on the FITT principles of exercise (frequency, intensity, type, and time).  I always add another F principle, fun.  Will it be in this game or will this simply be another eFitness title like EA SPORTS Active, Gold's Gym Cardio Workout, or will we actually see some game elements in terms of story, plot, or narrative?  Hopefully Dora, Diego, Kai-Lan, Backyardigans can get our youngest generation jump roping, hula hooping, and moving more towards our daily goal of 60 minutes of physical activity. [Images via IGN]

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• It's a Fun and Fitness First as 2K Play and Nickelodeon Announce Nickelodeon Fit Exclusively for WiiTM (gonintendo.com)
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Zumba Fitness Exergame for Xbox 360 Kinect Hopes To Spice Up Your Workout

Dropping sometime during Holiday 2010, Zumba Fitness hopes to bring the hottest dance and fitness craze to your shiny new Xbox 360 Kinect. The trailer doesn't reveal that much about the game or game play and we're pretty sure they weren't using Kinect for the in-game video footage. Let's see if they can capitalize on a huge Zumba fan base and turn in some better sales numbers than Your Shape. 

See and download the full gallery on posterous

 

Thanks Sandra for the tip!

Posted via web from ExerGame Lab's posterous