Wheeleri New physical activity monitor for wheelchair users
Abstract author: Kati Karinharju, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences Co-author(s): Ilkka Saarelainen; Petteri Antila, Siru Innovations Oy and Reetta-Kaisa Kuusiluoma, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
Physical activity monitors and welfare technologies are part of everyday life. These technological devices are expected to give specific information of individuals’ activities, but also to motivate them to move and to be more physically active. Even though the welfare technologies have recently developed a lot, there is still lack of reliable and user-friendly device to measure physical activity in people using wheelchairs. The Finnish hightech company Siru Innovations and Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) have created a new sport-oriented device called Wheeleri. Technologically sophisticated but easy to use, Wheeleri fits for different target groups with various purposes. It can be used for example as a motivational tool for physical activity and recreational sports and as an assistive tool to support the clients and professionals in rehabilitation. Wheeleri consists of a mobile app and a small attachable device that is connected to the wheel of the wheelchair. Once the wheelchair moves, the device records traveled distance, speed and time data. This information may be viewed through the app on a personal mobile device during or after the activity or downloaded to a computer for further examination. To obtain reliable data Wheeleri takes into account the main wheel’s backward and forward movement to calculate the physical distance traveled. It is practical in various settings, including small spaces such as one’s home or during recreational activity such as wheelchair basketball. In certain cases, such as indoors, the distance and speed information may be more accurate than what’s provided by GPS-based devices, for example. In conclusion, Wheeleri offers method to measure the movement of wheelchairs and it can be used as a monitor to encourage people to be physically more active and thereby increase their wellbeing and health. More information: Kati Karinharju, kati.karinharju@samk.fi
www.wheeleri.fi