Proposal

Narrative

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) are predictors of important health outcomes including chronic disease risk, post-operative recovery, and mortality. They are also fundamental to exercise program design for healthy adults, athletes, and chronic disease populations. Thus, learning the latest techniques for assessing CRF and PA is a critical part of an exercise science curriculum. Portable technology is paving the way for assessment outside of the laboratory, increasing applicability in clinical, athletic, and recreational settings. The purpose of this proposal is to fund the purchase of the VO2 Master and ActiGraph devices to introduce students in the Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion to portable technology used for measuring CRF and PA. The VO2 Master is a wireless device that measures metabolic rate and CRF. ActiGraph is a wrist-worn wearable that assesses energy expenditure, daily steps, and sedentary, moderate, and vigorous PA. Implementation of devices will enhance student experiences in courses including Exercise Testing & Prescription (PET 4550), Exercise Laboratory Techniques (APK 4110L), and Practicum in Exercise Science and Health Promotion (PET 4947) to encompass several learning modules that include CRF measurement, PA assessment, sports performance application, and exercise program design. Benefits to students include gaining skill in operating equipment and administering assessments as well as providing integrative learning opportunities related to exercise science concepts including test validity, applied exercise physiology, and exercise prescription. Devices will also support student research experiences on projects related to PA, fitness, and metabolic testing. By enhancing the quality of the Exercise Science and Health Promotion program, enriching student learning, and promoting student scholarship, this proposal supports the university’s mission of excellence in research, creative activity, and teaching.

Facilities

No renovations or upgrades are needed to implement these devices into the classroom or research projects for students. Both the VO2 Master kits and the ActiGraphs are portable and can be stored in the laboratory. They can also be easily transported to different classrooms and laboratories to allow for use in multiple spaces and settings.

Hardware Requirements

No additional hardware is required. The VO2 Master is Bluetooth capable and is operated through the VO2 Master software. We have included three iPads in the grant budget, which will be used to download the VO2 Master software and operate the devices. The ActiGraph software will be installed on a computer already present within the Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion.

Software Requirements

The VO2 Master software is free and will be downloaded onto the requested iPads. ActiLife software is needed for the ActiGraphs and will be installed onto a computer within the department (cost for a 5-year license: $8,000).

Personnel Costs

No personnel costs are needed. Dr. Artese will install the software and maintain the equipment as well as train other faculty and students on how to operate the devices.

Other Costs

We are applying for funds to purchase three VO2 Master kits ($5850 x 3 = $17,550) along with testing accessories (i.e. face masks, headgear, assessment kit, and desiccant pouches; $797) and two years of annual service for each kit ($2250 x two years = $4500). Shipping and handling will cost $350. Three iPads ($1672.86) will be purchased to download the VO2 Master software and operate the devices. Twenty-five ActiGraph wearable devices will be purchased ($420.01 x 25 = 10,500.25) along with wrist bands (25 x $17.05 = $426.25), and charging cables ($137.87). As mentioned under Software Requirements, a five-year ActiLife Software license ($8000) will also be purchased. Shipping and handling for ActiGraph devices will cost $35.00.

Timeline

Upon notice of award, devices and software will be purchased with the plan of implementing them first into the Exercise Testing & Prescription (PET 4550) and Exercise Laboratory Techniques (APK 4110L) courses during the following semester. The equipment will be incorporated into several class activities and laboratories across multiple courses and sections. Regular yearly maintenance will be conducted so that devices can continue to be integrated into coursework and research experiences for students every year.

Sustainability

Both the VO2 Master and ActiGraphs are low maintenance devices that come with a one-year warranty. We have also integrated two years of annual service for the VO2 Master into the grant budget, which will help maintain the device for the first three years following the initial purchase. Funds from this grant will also fund five years of ActiLife Software that supports ActiGraph use. Subsequent service needs for both devices will be shared among faculty in the department who regularly use the devices for their courses and/or student research projects.

Resource Matching

None available at this time

Implementing Organization

Ashley Artese from the Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion will implement the project.