Affiliations: [a] Scientific Direction, Research Area of Clinical-Healthcare and Management Innovations, Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy | [b] Norwegian Centre for Integrated Care and Telemedicine, University hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway | [c] Unit of Cystic Fibrosis, Department of Pediatric Medicine, Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy | [d] Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA | [e] Institute of Management, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy | [f] Department of Human Social and Health Sciences, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of the biggest drivers of preventable
chronic diseases and healthcare costs in Worldwide. Different prevention
activities are suggested. By monitoring daily energy expenditure (EE) could
be possible make personalized diets and programming physical
activity. In this, physical inactivity is one of the most important
public health problems. Some studies refer the effort of the international
community in promoting physical activities. Physical activity can be
promoted only by increasing citizens' empowerment on taking care of their
health, and it passes from the improving
of individual information. Technology
can offer solutions and metrics for monitoring and measuring daily activity
by interacting with individuals, sharing information and feedbacks.
OBJECTIVE: In this study we review indicators of total energy
expenditure and weaknesses of available devices in assessing these
parameters.
METHODS: Literature review and technology testing EuNetHta core
model.
RESULTS: For the clinical aspects, it is fundamental to take
into account all the factor that can influence the personal energy
expenditure as: heart rate, blood pressure and thermoregulation (influenced
by the body temperature).
DISCUSSION: In this study we focused the attention on the importance of
tools to encourage the physical activity. We made an analysis of the factor
that can influence the right analysis of energy expenditure and at the same
time the energy regime. A punctual monitoring of the exercise regime could
be helpful in Telemedicine application as Telemonitorig. More study are
needed to value the impact of physical activity tracker in Telemonitorig
protocols.
CONCLUSION: On the assessment of the energy expenditure, critical
issues are related to the physiological data acquisition. Sensors
connected with mobile devices could be important tools for disease
prevention and interventions affecting health behaviors. New devices
applications are potential useful for telemedicine assistance, but security
of data and the related
communication protocol limits
should be taking into
account.
Keywords: Physical activity, motor activities, psychomotor performance, energy expenditure, energy metabolisms, instruments and apparatus, telemedicine, mobile health, Telehealth
