Estimating and Conveying User Activity Levels in a Multi-User Computer Assisted Exercise Motivation System

Estimating and Conveying User Activity Levels in a Multi-User Computer Assisted Exercise Motivation System

Corey A. Graves, Sam Muldrew, Brandon Judd, Jerono Rotich
Copyright: © 2011 |Pages: 19
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-487-5.ch002
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Abstract

The Electronic Multi-User Randomized Circuit Training (EMURCT, pronounced “emmersed”) system has been developed to utilize pervasive computing and communication technology to address the lack of motivation that individuals have for exercising regularly. EMURCT is capable of producing a totally different workout sessions with every use, for up to 7 trainees simultaneously using a common workout circuit, in an effort to reduce boredom. EMURCT is composed of three different components, a client application, an administrator application and a web service. This project also uses Wi-Fi signal strength to estimate the activity level of individuals using the system. Based on the activity level being read from each smart device, the event scheduler has the option of releasing any trainee from his/her assigned station if it feels that he/she is not working out, and someone else’s smart device is requesting that station. Initial experiments indicate that the best signal strength reading comes from preset, dedicated access points.
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Background

Circuit Training

Circuit training is a mix of strength training and endurance training. In a circuit-training workout one does a group, or circuit, of exercises with little or no rest in between exercises. Usually, one circuit consists of 6 to 10 exercises. Each exercise is performed for a set number of repetitions or period of time before moving to the next exercise. For example, a person might do squats for 3 minutes, rest 30 seconds, and then do bench presses for another 3 minutes followed by other exercises. Depending on a person’s fitness level, he or she might do one circuit or several circuits during each workout (Henry, Ashnel, & Michael, 2006).

Some of the benefits of circuit training include being able to exercise different muscle groups to achieve a total-body workout, building strength and endurance and being able to do circuit training at home or at a gym. Persons are also less likely to become bored with a workout routine since there are a variety of exercises to be performed and the workout can be made as hard or as easy as liked by changing the amount of effort and the length of the rest interval (Henry, Ashnel, & Michael, 2006).

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