Physical activity can prevent a number of diseases such as stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and depression. It is so effective that healthcare institutions nowadays prescribe physical activity on prescription, FaR. But the best suited activity level depends on the individual's conditions.
"The starting position when you start training obviously varies from person to person and the type of activity that corresponds to the intensity recommendations needs to be adapted accordingly. As part of the rehabilitative treatment, it is therefore important to know the patient's fitness status", says Anita Wisén, physiotherapist and researcher at Lund University, in a press release.
To assess a person's condition, he must undergo a fitness test where the oxygen uptake capacity is measured. Unfortunately, these tests take time, require expensive equipment and trained personnel. But there is a simpler option – Rating of Percieved Capacity, RPC.
"The RPC scale is well described in FYSS, which is an evidence-based support for physical activity on prescription and an equivalent to FASS. The scale is also included as a relevant assessment and evaluation instrument in prevention and in various disease states. By estimating perceived effort on a scale with metabolic equivalents, one can calculate the person's maximum oxygen uptake", says Anita Wisén.
Anita Wisén has now developed an app, My fitness – RPC, which can recommend fitness level and intensity automatically. The app also contains a training diary that allows the person to document their training and see what percentage of the recommended goals are achieved.
The app gives the care staff the opportunity to quickly and easily give individual advice on what type of cardio training is suitable and with what intensity and heart rate interval. But it can also be used directly by anyone.
"This is not only a tool that health care professionals can use when prescribing physical activity on prescription, but the app is for everyone who wants to find out their fitness level and wants to get started with their fitness training and follow their training development", says Anita Wisén.
