The Problem:
Existing approaches to estimating aerobic fitness, particularly maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) typically require specialized laboratory equipment which can be cumbersome, expensive, and inaccessible to the general public. While there are formulas for predicting VO2max from timed walks or runs, they usually require manual calculations and precise measurements, further complicating their use. The growing interest in health and fitness tracking through wearable technology and smartphone applications highlights the need for more user-friendly, cost-effective, and non-invasive alternatives to traditional methods.
The Solution:
Researchers at the University of Alabama have designed a smartphone application that predicts aerobic fitness by estimating VO2max from a timed walk or run using an integrated algorithm. This algorithm leverages GPS to track the distance and automatically calculates the aerobic fitness value based on user-specific variables such as sex, height, weight, and age. Unlike current methods this app offers a more accessible, cost-effective, and non-invasive solution for users to gauge their aerobic fitness. Its innovation lies in automating the calculation of VO2max within a smartphone app, thus eliminating the need for complex calculations and expensive devices, making fitness monitoring more convenient and widely available.
Benefits:
·Convenient for users to measure fitness through a simple walk or run using automatic calculation with user-specific variables
·Can be integrated into existing health and fitness apps
Useful for a broad range of individuals including athletes, individuals in physical therapy, and general health monitoring
Patent:
US12179060B2
