Researchers concerned that 31% of adults and 80% of adolescents do not reach the recommended levels of physical activity, conducted a study that provided a worrying picture about what our health and physical appearance could be in the near future.
In this sense, they presented Sam, a projection of the average sedentary individual for the year 2050, evidencing the detrimental effects of an inactive lifestyle.
Sam displays symptoms such as digital eye strain and premature aging, a result of excessive technology use and lack of physical activity.
Physical inactivity data
According to this research, more than 30% of adults and 80% of adolescents do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. This lack of exercise is linked to a number of long-term health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Immersed in this reality,he World Health Organization (WHO) sets goals to reduce physical inactivity by 10% by 2025 and 15% by 2030. Without these changes, it is estimated that global costs to public health systems could reach $300 billion between 2020 and 2030.
To create Sam as a warning sign of what could happen, his creators at health app WeWard said to Newsweek who used a combination of proprietary data on average daily walking habits in 30 countries.
The role of governments
Leaders of initiatives, such as WeWard, emphasize the importance of policies to encourage physical activity. The creation of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and the promotion of digital tools that encourage healthy habits is suggested.
“There is a lot that can be done at the policy level to help increase physical activity in communities,” said Yves Benchimol, CEO of WeWard.
How is physical activity measured?
Physical activity is commonly measured in metabolic equivalents (METs), which represent the amount of energy expended during an activity compared to the resting state. For example, an activity with a value of 5 MET means that you burn five times more energy than at rest.
Exercise intensity can also be measured by monitoring heart rate, where specific zones are established for moderate or vigorous activity based on a percentage of maximum heart rate.
Recommended levels of physical activity for adults are at least 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 to 150 minutes of high-intensity activity, or a combination of both. In addition, it is recommended to perform muscle strengthening exercises two or more days per week. For children and adolescents, at least 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity, including activities that strengthen muscles and bones, are suggested at least three days a week.
How can I monitor activity?
There are various technologies that are currently used to monitor physical activity and motivate exercise, combining wearable sensors, mobile applications, augmented and virtual reality, and other innovations in the sports field.
Wearable technologies and IoT sensors
Wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers monitor key metrics such as heart rate, steps, sleep quality, stress levels and biomechanical parameters in real time, helping to personalize workouts and prevent injuries. These sensors connect to applications through the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing access to detailed analysis and motivating through progress graphs, goals and social comparison.
Augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR)
AR overlays digital information on the real environment, offered in the form of visual instructions during exercise or virtual challenges, which increases motivation and makes training more entertaining. VR, on the other hand, allows you to immerse yourself in virtual environments to practice sports or do indoor training, and is also useful in physical rehabilitation and mental training.
Mobile applications and online platforms
Free and paid applications help define specific objectives, record progress and offer recommendations, promoting greater continuity and commitment in the activity. In addition, these platforms can offer remote advice, helping to enhance the benefits of exercise with digital support.
Additional technologies
The use of GPS, motion sensors and biomechanical analysis systems allows us to analyze movement patterns, optimize technique and reduce the risk of injury. These systems are used both in elite sports and in personal training, contributing to greater motivation and achievement of goals..
Thus, technologies to monitor and motivate exercise include wearables (such as smart watches and bracelets), mobile applications, augmented and virtual reality, and biomechanical analysis systems, which together promote the personalization of training, motivate through visualization and comparison, and help in injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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