A real-time exercise feedback utility with body sensor networks

Abstract

The key to a long healthy life is the adoption of a balanced diet and regular exercise. The paper describes the use of a Body Sensor Network (BSN) for real-time corrective feedback during the performance of an exercise routine. The feedback utility will log important parameters during an exercise session to allow one to keep track of fitness progress. Inclusion of vital sign sensors such as pulse sensors avoid over exertion and exercise mishaps. A means of creating new exercise routines easily is an additional important functionality. We detail the design of a working prototype exercise system, showing how it differs from related work. We follow up with a study of its effectiveness. The system based on a combination of accelerometers and ultrasound hardware is shown to recognize correctly a subset of exercises.