Evaluating motion and heart rate sensors to measure intensity of physical activity

Abstract

Using a device for measuring the intensity of a physical activity when a person carries out their daily routines is an important support to monitor their health, especially if this person is overweight or obese since it exists risk for their health when demanding a lot of energy while performing physical activities. To confront this problem, there are new generation devices for measuring physical activity, that can be used to know physical intensity levels and consequently, establish exercise programs if were necessary to lose weight or maintain a certain level of training derived from a medical prescription. This paper evaluates the relationship between values of a motion sensor and heart rate sensor for measuring the intensity of physical activity of overweight or obese people. We propose to use these two sensors to determine the correlation between both so that at a given time, the motion sensor can be a useful alternative to measure the intensity of physical activity. This option makes easier for people to measure physical intensity with a conventional device equipped with an accelerometer, many people that use smartphones might avoid going to an expert to keep track of physical exercises.