Samsung And The University Of Michigan Team Up On Smartwatch Technology For Runners
The eight-month study will use Samsung Galaxy watches to measure the data
In 2016, the University of Michigan launched the Exercise and Sport Science Initiative (ESSI), as it was once called, “to optimize the physical performance and health of athletes of all ages and backgrounds.” The initiative focuses on four key areas, including injury prevention, diagnosis and management, as well as performance analysis, performance improvement and sports technology.
With this in mind, ESSI announced a research collaboration with Samsung Electronics on smart watch technology. Together, the two companies aim to help runners manage their health and physical activity by providing them with more reliable and accurate data.
The eight-month study, which has already begun recruiting participants and collecting data, was conducted by ESSI's main research laboratory, the Michigan Laboratory for Performance Research (MiPR), using the Galaxy Watch series, specifically the recently introduced Samsung Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy models. Watch-the 6. Classic to calculate participants' VO2 max and sweat loss during the run.
These devices offer personalized fitness training, advanced sleep management and health monitoring, as well as a personalized heart rate zone that offers five levels of running intensity depending on each individual's ability. Another feature called Track Run helps runners track their running route; Galaxy Watch provides analytics including asymmetry, regularity and ground contact time to help improve performance and reduce injuries.
The study will compare the baseline data with smartwatch data from indoor (track) and outdoor race tests over distances between 2.5km and 20km.
Samsung said it chose the MiPR lab for this research because of its established relationships in both the apparel technology industry and the operations community, as well as "the unique capabilities of its researchers."
“Samsung is committed to providing more meaningful health insights through our collaboration with industry leaders and academic institutions,” said Hong Pak, vice president and head of MX Business Digital Health Group at Samsung Electronics, in a press release.
“We are excited to partner with the University of Michigan Exercise and Sports Science Initiative, experts in fitness and sports health, to provide more meaningful insights to runners who rely on the Galaxy Watch line for precision and customization. Motivation. "
ESSI's sports technology focus includes the development of sensors, wearable technology and materials, smart clothing and safer equipment that can "intelligently manage people's well-being and behavior in a personalized way," according to its website.
“Researchers are working to develop and improve sports technology to optimize performance, discover better ways to diagnose or assess the potential for injury, and develop more informed approaches to optimally return injured people to play.”
“The opportunity for the Michigan Performance Research Lab to work with Samsung and use advanced sensors and health and wellness monitoring of one of the most popular smartwatches lends credence to our research,” said ESSI co-director Ken Kozloff. , in the report.
“It's exciting to be involved in research that has a positive impact on our community, and we've had a great response to learning more about them and applying it to their education.” »
(Image source: esse.umich.edu)