Test subjects are active: the PAUL app in the test phase!
18-11-2019
The PAUL project investigates whether there is a fun and easy way to motivate people to exercise more. PAUL stands for: Playful Active Urban Living. The PAUL app has been developed for this purpose: a personal coach to help people move more: walking, running or performing strength exercises. At moments that work best for someone. And: you don't have to be good at sports for this.
Since mid-November, the necessary test subjects have been actively working to test the PAUL app: they each move at a level that suits him or her. The same study is also planned with test subjects in Brazil.
To motivate participants extra, the app has various functionalities. In this way, the app helps to establish a realistic movement goal that is in line with everyone's wishes and also provides an exercise schedule that fits into the agenda. In addition, while using the app, people receive information about what they must do to achieve their own goal. In addition, the app provides tips for performing strength exercises in the park during the running or walking session, so that users know for sure that they are doing the exercises well.
With this research the researchers want to find out how they can motivate people in a simple and pleasant way to move more, in a way that is accessible to everyone. It is important to exercise sufficiently as this increases the chance of good health and a higher quality of life.
The PAUL team consists of researchers from Utrecht University, the University of Amsterdam, the research groups 'Digital Life' and 'Power of Sport' of the Hogeschool van Amsterdam and two Brazilian universities: Federal University of São Paulo and Federal University of São Carlos. There is also collaboration with HP2, Info.nl, ZappYou and Amsterdam Smart City.Many thanks go to the test subjects: they contribute in this way to a healthier and fitter society!