Grant Details
Grant Number: |
3U01CA130771-04S2 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Patrick, Kevin |
Organization: |
University Of California, San Diego |
Project Title: |
A Tool for Geospatial Analysis of Physical Activity |
Fiscal Year: |
2010 |
Abstract
The central role of places in which physical activity is done is now widely recognized, so it is important to
measure both activity and its location. We will develop a Physical Activity and Location Measurement
System (PALMS) comprised of an integrated suite of hardware and software that supports real-time capture
and subsequent analyses of data on physical activity and energy expenditure (PAEE) from a geospatial
perspective. Capability for ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of psychosocial factors related to PAEE
context will also be included. No measurement approach exists that is capable of simultaneously and
objectively collecting PAEE by combined heart rate and motion (HR+M) and location by Global Positioning
Systems (GPS) data. These objective measures will provide significant advantages over currently-available
self-reports to help understand relationships between PAEE, the environment, and health-related
factors.This project will be performed by an interdisciplinary group of researchers with expertise in physical
activity and energy expenditure measurement, active living research, software engineering, wireless sensor
networks, cell phone technologies, GPS and geographic information systems (GIS) research and data
modeling. The project will occur in four phases: PHASE I (12 mo.):Specify, build and bench test the software
architecture that supports data collection from both an HR+M monitor and a highly accurate GPS device as
well as a cell phone. Develop data-server and web-server software including new application program
interfaces as well as methods to integrate into existing well established GIS systems (e.g.ArcGIS). PHASE II
(12 mo.):Perform usability testing of the portable tool, refine the system and then use it to capture a
minimum of 45 person-weeks of combined PAEE, GPS and EMA data among a multiethnic sample (n=45) of
adolescents (age12-20), adults (age21-59) and older adults (age60+). PHASE III (12 mo.):Use data
captured in PHASE II to develop methods of data modeling and analysis appropriate to PAEE and geospatial
research. Further improve the tool and software for use in Phase IV and develop User Guide and Web
Tutorial for Researchers. PHASE IV (12 mo.):Field test the entire system (PAEE, GPS,EMA data collection,
supporting server, and web software) in free-living adolescents, adults and older adults (n=45; min.45
person-weeks) and test the utility of the system as a support to research on geospatial aspects of PAEE.
Publications
None. See parent grant details.