Abstract
Physical activity is an outstanding factor for daily life since it helps to maintain the physiological functions of the body, granting the possibility of increasing physical and mental health. Recreational vehicles of human propulsion are an alternative for skeletal muscle and cardiovascular system activation with the particularity of improving the system while enjoying the activity. This chapter presents an analysis of the problems of sedentary lifestyle to propose a user-focused alternative that meets the necessary requirements for healthy energy consumption. A prototype was designed and built to verify the metabolic expenditure through a telemetry equipment and another survey was applied to validate functional and user acceptance aspects. The results of the tests showed an average energy consumption of 50.2 kcal/min (Almost 6 METS) placing the prototype in a suitable range to perform physical activation. Finally, the resulting vehicle was cataloged by users as creative and attractive to be used in the future.
TopIntroduction
Physical activity plays an important role in the prevention of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, psychological disorders, lung diseases, cancer and metabolic disorders. There is a high percentage of 55% of adolescents and adults who do not perform any productive activity in their leisure time (Heyward, 2008). Besides helping to reduce the risk of these diseases, it also controls body weight, the formation and maintenance of bones, muscles and healthy joints, and creates a sense of psychological wellbeing, among others (Chomistek, Manson et al., 2013; Acero Mora, 2011).
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity are determinants of overweight and obesity, 72% of women and 66% of men over 19 years old suffer from overweight and obesity in Mexico (Olaiz-Fernandez Rivera-Dommarco et al., 2006).
Young and adult people have abandoned open-air activities, due to other activities such as work, school and home activities, video games, social networks, among others; this abandonment generates obesity, stress or depression (Muñoz & Salgado, 2011). This problem is increasingly growing, most of these people are not aware of this problem and do not perform any activity that causes a change (Patino & Marquez, 2009).
The variety of recreational mobility vehicles is scarce; traditional systems are commonly replicated in similar vehicles: bicycles, adapted and modified bicycles and tricycles, these create little expectation to attract the attention of young and adult people; the most attractive recreational systems are motorized, which reduce the possibility of physical activation (Superiores, 2006).
Recreational vehicles for fun and physical activation contribute to a better quality of healthy life, providing numerous advantages for people and society (Acero Mora, 2011). Changes and improvements in recreational vehicles increase the participation in recreational and physical activities, reducing stress levels and consequently preventing health risks (Hurlock, 2010).
The present work aims to demonstrate the importance of physical activation and proposes mobility systems that can be a viable alternative to help prevent diseases caused by sedentary lifestyle, and consequently improve the quality of health of individuals.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Anatomical Design: Which is built to suit the shape of the human body.
Non-Probabilistic: Sampling technique where the samples are gathered in a process that does not give all the individuals in the population equal chances of being selected.
Prototype: A first, typical, or preliminary model of something, especially a machine, from which other forms are developed.
Percentile: Each of the 100 equal groups into which a population can be divided according to the distribution of values of a particular variable.
Design Parameters: Aspects of a component that are needed to make something. It decides cost, design, materials, and risk.
METS: Used to express physical intensity and are the ratio between the metabolism of the person during the performance of a job and their basal metabolism.
Recreational: Relating to or denoting activity done for enjoyment when no one is working.