In recent years, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences has acquired a great deal of knowledge and experience in developing and researching the triangle of Exercise, Nutrition and Creative Technology. For example, researchers have developed applications in which vulnerable groups are encouraged to adopt healthy exercise and eating behaviour using creative technology. Think of the VITAMIN intervention for vital Amsterdam elderly and the exercise app Foxfit for children with asthma. New projects often start from scratch while many core components are generic, the technology required is comparable and the desire to collect the data at source is universal.
Well-functioning e-Health applications require the right data collection, for example the analysis of exercise patterns. The output is used to encourage healthy behaviour; offline via healthcare professionals or online via persuasive technology. If the project group properly sets up this infrastructure in a modular platform, researchers will be able to use the technical basics for multiple target groups in the future.
OBJECTIVE
The project team creates a springboard that realizes both more efficient development of future applications and faster implementation in practice.
METHOD
In the inventory phase, the project team draws up a package of technical requirements (functionalities, flexibility, safety and the like) and substantive requirements (interface, link with, for example, pedometers or existing applications). As soon as the requirements are clear, the researchers develop a prototype.
EXPECTED RESULTS / PRODUCTS
A modular system that researchers can extend to different target groups. This system forms an essential basis for several future subsidy applications within People in Movement.
SOCIAL IMPACT
This project provides an essential basis for future projects in which researchers use nutrition, exercise and creative technology to motivate at-risk groups to live healthier lives. In the coming years, for example, researchers within Mensen in Beweging (People in Motion) will focus on developing a blended intervention for vulnerable elderly people.
CONTRIBUTION RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
As a result of this project, researchers no longer have to develop a new platform from scratch for each project and think about management and infrastructure. They can further develop applications more quickly, build better on previous work for new grant applications and spend more resources on substantive research. This contributes to the quality and accessibility of the platforms, because researchers guarantee good security requirements and data storage within their projects (FAIR principles).
This project partakes in the SPRONG program People in Motion.
Project duration
1 Feb 2021 -31 Oct 2021
Project manager
Peter Weijs, Faculteit Bewegen, Sport en Voeding van de Hogeschool van Amsterdam
Researchers
Raoul Engelbert
Bart Visser
Daniël Bossen
Josje Schoufour
Martijn Stuiver
Niek van Ulzen
Funding
Dit project is gefinancierd vanuit een SPRONG subsidie.