Physical activity, biohealthy parks and new technologies

Physical activity, biohealthy parks and new technologies
Education
From the Faculty of Psychology and Education, the HealthPASS team is a multidisciplinar emerging team that is currently working with the eVIDA team (group A recognized of the Basque Country Research Agenda- Faculty of Engineering). In order to give stability to a multidisciplinary research line through we are attracting new talented predoctoral researchers to develop his/her doctorate in the line of research related to physical activity, biohealthy parks and new technologies. The candidate will work with both teams.
The selected candidate must show his/her interest in the study of the level of physical activity of different groups (older adults, patients of chronic diseases, children and adolescents, and others) and the incorporation of new technologies in the analysis and interpretation of data derived from several competitive projects that both teams of the University are currently working on.
  • Social Sciences and Humanities (SOC)
  • Information Sciences and Engineering (ENG)
  • Life Sciences (LIF)
The world’s population is currently facing the pandemic of sedentaryism, which is one of the biggest public health problems. Sedentary lifestyle is one of the risk factors in the development of cardiovascular disease. However, this risk factor is modifiable and can be prevented with the help and planning of urban design in cities. Cities such as Bilbao have made a great investment in the design of biohealthy (or outdoors fitness) parks so that their population incorporates their use into the daily routine. Proper operation of these public parks can have a significant impact on the levels of physical activity of people living in those cities, with great health benefits.
There is extensive scientific evidence to support such initiatives, but urban planning and the design of these biohealthy areas is not sufficient. A dynamizing engine is needed for these parks with qualified personnel. Mugikon company is currently promoting a technology platform, «Active Parks» (https://activeparks.app/es/app), which can be that engine that cities need to promote physical activity through the correct and safe use of the equipment that integrates biohealthy (outdoors fitness) parks.
Feeding the content and functionalities of the technology platform, as well as objectively analyzing the objective and subjective data collected from the tests of the use of the parks with that platform will be the main research tasks to be carried out.

EXCELLENCE OF THE HOST RESEARCH UNIT

HealthPASS is a novel team these proposal is a new proposal and there are no related publications. Nevertheless, this is a list of recent publications:
Gutierrez-Santamaría, Borja, Arietaleanizbeaskoa, M.S., Mendizabal, N., Grandes, G., Coca, Aitor. Effects of a supervised physical exercise program on body composition, cardiorespiratory capacity and strength, as part of treatment for cancer patients. European College of Sport Science. Sevilla, Spain. Oct.28-30.
Río, X., González-Pérez, A., Larrinaga-Undabarrena, A., Coca, A.. Analysis of quality of life parameters in a health-promoting program for a population with cardiovascular risk factors: a preliminary study. SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine. falta número todavia. DOI: 10.1007/s42399-020-00512-9
Koreny M, Demeyer H, Benet M, Arbillaga-Etxarri A, Balcells E, Barberan-Garcia A, et al.Patterns of physical activity progression in patients with COPD. Archivos de Bronconeumologia. Aceptado, pendiente de publicar.
Arkaitz Castañeda-Babarro *, Ane Arbillaga-Etxarri, Borja Gutiérrez-Santamaría and Aitor Coca. Physical Activity Change during COVID-19 Confinement. Int J Environ Res Public Health.
1.Supervised Exercise for Head and Neck Cancer patients applied previous, during, or after treatment: the SEHNeCa Randomized Controlled TrialSEHNeCs (SEHNeCa)
2.Moving Older Adults for Healthy Ageing (MOAHA) [Pending resolution]
3.Pan-European Internet of First-Responders for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency (IoF) [Pending resolution]

INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION

The main areas that will aim to integrate this proposal are: physical activity, healthy lifestyles, new technologies (big data, AI), business (end product to market)
Yes, this proposal will have a co-direction from the eVIDA team and HealthPASS team at the University of Deusto.
The project will be divided in two parts. In one hand, the data collection and implementation of the physical activity programs within the platform and the parks. Once the data is collected the new technologies will integrate the needed knowledge for feeding the content and functionalities of the technology platform, as well as objectively analyzing the objective and subjective data collected from the tests of the use of the parks with that platform will be the main research tasks to be carried out.

Aligned with the 2030 Agenda, the Horizon Europe missions and goals and the Basque Country Smart Specialisation Strategy, DEUSTO research blends competitiveness, innovation and technology to tackle challenges for communities, companies and public bodies in the region. Ageing and Wellbeing; Cultural and Creative Industries and Cities; Gender; Social Justice and Inclusion and Strengthening Participation are the focus of the 5 Interdisciplinary Research Platforms. Besides, advanced research units contribute to generate knowledge and innovative solutions in the fields of efficient and clean Energy, Industry 4.0 (advanced manufacturing, data analytics…), Health and Territory.
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/es/inicio/plataformas-interdisciplinares-de-investigacion

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION

At the moment, both teams are awaiting resolution of a European proposal within this topic. The proposal was submitted August 2020 and the title is Moving Older Adults for Healthy Ageing (MOAHA).
The PhD candidate will be oriented to an international dimension in his/her research.

INTERSECTORAL COLLABORATION

Mugikon is a small company (start-up from Deusto University) that is already working in this topic within the Bilbao Council (Active Parks). The candidate will work together with this company to make an end product ready to send to the market. Active Parks can be used by any municipality to get the most out of outdoor exercise areas. This can allow the City Council to know the level of physical activity of its neighbors. At the population level, this app offers citizens the possibility to define weekly physical goals with which to test their endurance and improvement, with the aim of improving their health and promoting an active lifestyle.

Deusto Research works closely with more than 1250 organisations (public administration, business, non-profit organisations, education and training institutions, technology centres, etc.) in areas such as health, urban development, gender, social justice and inclusion, democratic participation, regional competitiveness and energy. Since 2014 DEUSTO has been involved in 89 international research projects and worked with more than 770 partner organisations. From data collection to the implementation and piloting phases, stakeholders have an active role throughout the research project life cycle.
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/es/inicio/transferencia-3/colaboracion-con-agentes-externos

IMPACT

Mugikon belongs to the nursery of technology-based small businesses associated with the University of Deusto (Deusto Kabi) and have years of experience in promoting health in both older adults and children and adolescents. The relationship between Mugikon and the University is well demonstrated by several ongoing research projects. With this help, the company and the university can have a great support to promote the technological activities of the company at the Basque country level with its consequent economic development. The prospect of the use and exploitation of these technologies (app and others) for health improvement is international within 3 years. The planning of its exploitation and consequent economic development begins at the local level in the Basque Country, at the moment its exploitation has begun in the area of Bilbao and municipalities of Bizkaia, this aid would be essential to strengthen the research and business part of such initiatives”.

Deusto Research pursues societal impact that goes beyond academia focusing on the transformation of today’s society, leading to fairer and more diverse societies, where inclusive social development and welfare are enhanced.
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/en/home/dissemination-and-transfer

INNOVATION

This will be a new technological platform that will innovate within the field of knowledge.

DEUSTO research internationalisation strategy pursues innovation through the participation in international research and innovation initiatives (H2020 projects, Innovation Radar)
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/en/home/transfer-of-knowledge-0/innovation-radar

INCLUSION

Inclusion is an underlying principle of the 6i Dirs project. The leadership vocation of the University of Deusto goes hand in hand with its aspiration to excellence and quality and a firm commitment to social justice and inclusion. The Interdisciplinary Platform on Social Justice and Inclusion articulates interdisciplinary collaborations and channel research efforts for contributing to social justice and more inclusive and fairer societies.
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/es/inicio/plataformas-interdisciplinares-de-investigacion/deusto-social-justice-and-inclusion/the-platform
Deusto recognises gender equality as a key driver for sustainable development and inclusive growth across regions, and believes that equality of academic opportunity for women is key. The Interdisciplinary Research Platform on Gender is a dynamic vehicle that teams up experts from different areas of knowledge with the dual purpose of fostering collaboration and integrating existing expertise to address society’s emerging challenges on gender issues. (https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/es/inicio/plataformas-interdisciplinares-de-investigacion/deusto-gender/the-university-of-deusto)
Moreover, to seek real inclusion for people with specific support needs, the 6i Dirs project ensures equal rights and opportunities with respect to access to the programme and the acquisition of the skills expected to achieve the PhD and enhance their career development and future employability. All vacancies on the Euraxess EU portal bear the Science4refugee logo to encourage refugees to apply for them. Furthermore, DEUSTO is a partner of the Scholars At Risk Network (SAR), which offers safety to scholars facing grave threats.