from Part VIII - Future perspectives
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 September 2015
Introduction
Lack of physical activity (PA) and exercise is a widespread and prevalentproblem in the modern society. A study conducted by the US Department ofHealth in 2002 showed that the lack of PA is associated with a wide range ofconditions including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, andosteoporosis [1]. In 2008, the World Health Organization reported that 11%of the world’s population (at 25+ years of age) was estimated to besuffering from diabetes [2], and diabetes care alone may account for up to15% of national healthcare budgets [2]. These statistics reflects thenegative economic impact to healthcare systems worldwide.
Physical activity intensity (PAI) and energy expenditure (PAEE) can beestimated from measurements of oxygen consumption using portable gasanalyser systems. However, these indirect calorimeters are complex, bulky,heavy, obtrusive, and very expensive, and hence unsuitable for routine use.On the other hand, there is a large body of evidence (discussed later inthis chapter) suggesting that PA activity intensity and energy expenditurecan be estimated and continuously monitored using physiologicaland/or biomechanical information, owing to the relationship of theseparameters with oxygen consumption during aerobic exercise [3–5]. Inaddition, recent advances in microelectronics have enabled the developmentof miniaturized integrated circuits, medical sensors and micro-engineeredinertial sensors.
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