StepFit: a novel fitness evaluation system

Fitness advancement has been shown to be one of the most effective interventions against disease and critical to the promotion of general health and wellness. At the same time, fitness evaluation and development of appropriate intervention techniques traditionally requires participation of experienced trainers or physician, expensive equipment and dedicated instrumented exercise facilities. Furthermore, while critically important in maintenance of health, fitness evaluation is not available to most individuals due to cost and facility access. This paper presents StepFit - the first of its kind automated low cost system for fitness evaluation and promotion. The system consists of heart rate and motion sensors, and a computation platform for data aggregation, processing and subject feedback. StepFit automates well known and well validated fitness evaluation protocols, referred to as step tests, by capturing the measurements of the heart rate for fitness evaluation, and motion for ensuring that the exercise intensity is maintained according to the required protocol. The system provides guidance, determines test completion and provides assurance of protocol compliance. Finally, StepFit provides feedback in the form of fitness evaluation based on the acquired data and standard validated models, while at the same time archiving the model relating heart rate response of the individual to the selected step test. The heart rate model is based on clinically validated protocols and is used for physiological response analysis and prediction. This paper presents a successful proof of concept validation of StepFit in evaluation of fitness for multiple subjects and demonstrates applicability to a broad class of related assessment protocols as well as support by many mobile platform choices.