Title :
The iFit: An Integrated Physical Fitness Testing System to Evaluate the Degree of Physical Fitness of the Elderly
Author :
Tseng, K.C. ; Wong, Alice May-Kuen ; Chien-Lung Hsu ; Tsai-Hsuan Tsai ; Chang-Mu Han ; Ming-Ren Lee
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Ind. Design, Chang Gung Univ., Yuan, Taiwan
Abstract :
This paper presents an integrated physical fitness testing system (iFit) that evaluates the physical fitness of older adults. The intent of the test is to help them manage and promote their health and mitigate the effects of aging. National protocols of physical fitness were implemented to support the assessment. The proposed system encompasses four modules of physical fitness assessment for both users and medical professionals. The test information will be recorded and managed through a wireless sensor network that will enable a better understanding of users´ fitness states. Furthermore, the iFit has been validated by a test session attended by elderly participants. The results show that there is a significant correlation between iFit use in the test of flexibility, grip strength, and balance, compared to conventional methods.
Keywords :
biomechanics; biomedical communication; biomedical measurement; geriatrics; health care; wireless sensor networks; balance; flexibility; grip strength; iFit; integrated physical fitness testing system; older adult physical fitness; physical fitness degree evaluation; wireless sensor network; Correlation; Educational institutions; Instruments; Senior citizens; Sensors; Training; Wireless sensor networks; Physical fitness; telecommunications; wireless sensor network; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Monitoring, Physiologic; Muscle Strength; Physical Fitness; Postural Balance; Range of Motion, Articular; Remote Sensing Technology; Reproducibility of Results; Software; Systems Integration; User-Computer Interface; Wireless Technology;
Journal_Title :
Biomedical Engineering, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TBME.2012.2211357