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. 2019;13(5):340-348.
doi: 10.5281/zenodo.

Development and Usability Assessment of a Connected Resistance Exercise Band Application for Strength-Monitoring

J A Batsis  1 , G G Boateng  2 , L M Seo  3 , C L Petersen  4 , K L Fortuna  5 , E V Wechsler  6 , R J Peterson  7 , S B Cook  8 , D Pidgeon  9 , R S Dokko  7 , R J Halter  6 , D F Kotz  7
Affiliations

Development and Usability Assessment of a Connected Resistance Exercise Band Application for Strength-Monitoring

J A Batsis et al. World Acad Sci Eng Technol. 2019.

Abstract

Resistance exercise bands are a core component of any physical activity strengthening program. Strength training can mitigate the development of sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass or strength and function with aging. Yet, the adherence of such behavioral exercise strategies in a home-based setting are fraught with issues of monitoring and compliance. Our group developed a Bluetooth-enabled resistance exercise band capable of transmitting data to an open-source platform. In this work, we developed an application to capture this information in real-time, and conducted three usability studies in two mixed-aged groups of participants (n=6 each) and a group of older adults with obesity participating in a weight-loss intervention (n=20). The system was favorable, acceptable and provided iterative information that could assist in future deployment on ubiquitous platforms. Our formative work provides the foundation to deliver home-based monitoring interventions in a high-risk, older adult population.

Keywords: Application; mHealth; older adult; resistance exercise band; sarcopenia.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
(a) Fully assembled Amulet device; (b) internal Amulet peripherals; (c) screen; (d) case
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Bluetooth Resistance Exercise Band
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Example of Recorded Relative Force for Exercises performed by the BLE-Enabled Device [27]
Fig. 4 (a)
Fig. 4 (a)
Snapshot of TheraBand application states: Off (a); Connection (b); View of band color (c); Initiation of Exercise (d)
Fig. 4 (b)
Fig. 4 (b)
Snapshot of states of TheraBand application: a) specific exercise type; b) choosing an exercise; c) connected; and d) specific exercise type
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Representative exercises conducted to evaluate the TheraBand application as part of the Usability Assessment: a) Bicep flexion; b) abduction or shoulder lift; c) elbow extension or seated rows; and d) elbow kickback or tricep extension)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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