The proof Examining the scientific background of DirectLife
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DirectLife Every movement counts
Examining the scientific background of DirectLife Many research studies have already confirmed a direct link between increased levels of activity and improved health. Most people already know that exercise is good for the body and soul. However, they also find it difficult to turn good intentions into action. DirectLife is for those people who really want to become more active, but want to do it in a way that fits their daily routine. Of course, that’s easier said than done. How do you motivate people to be more active when they’ve been inactive for so long? DirectLife shows that it’s possible. It’s an approach that’s based on proven research and insight. This brochure examines the scientific basis of DirectLife.
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Structured motivation What’s the best way to keep people motivated to increase their activity level? To address this issue, we’ve invested many years in scientific research. Of course there are individual differences. But, in general, we found a number of common factors that motivate people on a structured basis. These are: • A clearly defined path, with a distinct start and finish • Specific, achievable goals • Continuous tracking of activities ‘every movement counts’ • Personal feedback on the results • Ongoing support from a live, personal coach Up until now, no exercise program has been able to combine all of these factors. DirectLife does. It’s a total concept that really works, based on smart technology and proven psychology.
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DirectLife really works Before introducing DirectLife, Philips invested in many years of psychological research. This research helped us determine the critical factors for successfully influencing long-term behavior: gradual change, direct feedback and personal coaching. The following pages provide an in-depth look at each of these factors.
Gradual change Studies show that the most effective changes in behavior occur step by step. It’s human nature. People are more motivated to stick with a program that has each new goal within easy reach. Whatever the objective, we all achieve better results one step at a time. So it’s important to set realistic yet still challenging goals. That’s why DirectLife is based on each 4
individual’s unique activity level. After an initial assessment period, specific goals are set. Each week, the bar will be set just bit higher.
Direct feedback For those trying to increase their activity level, there’s no better motivation than seeing results. DirectLife provides this kind of valuable motivation in many ways. Both the activity monitor and the online program make results clearly visible. The monitor immediately displays the amount of activity already achieved each day. The online program translates that activity into the amount of calories burned. Because every bit of activity counts, .
DirectLife stimulates each person to add more activity to the daily routine. This way, becoming more active does not become a hassle or time-consuming task. Instead, it‘s something that comfortably fits the way you live and work. That’s essential for an activity program to be of long-term value. You don’t have to drastically change … just follow an accessible program that suits the way you live.
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DirectLife trains Personal support Some people need an extra little push to keep going. From a personal coach, for example. From a psychological point of view, being accountable to another person – and not just to ourselves – is a powerful incentive to succeed. With DirectLife, it’s the personal coaching program that really makes the difference. Each participant can count on regular, personalized
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guidance to achieve his or her goal. The coach tracks all progress, is always available to answer questions and, when necessary, can even give an extra motivational push by email. Each coach is part of an international team of experts in the fields of psychology, communications, health and wellness. All of the Philips DirectLife coaches have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree.
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DirectLife activates The total concept of DirectLife is based on three principles: 1.Tracking The scientifically validated activity monitor records every movement in three different directions. Advanced algorithms translate each and every motion into a specific amount of calories burned. Of course, the individual’s age, gender, height and weight are also considered. In this way, each person has a continuous profile of his or her unique activity level. 2. Monitoring Activity data is uploaded to a personalized web page. This clearly shows an individual his or her activity pattern and progress. Everyone, whether they are slightly active or very athletic, receives a personalized, achievable goal, based on the tracked activity level. It’s all geared to 8
the individual’s physical condition. 3. Motivating Studies show that long-term, sustained motivation is a critical factor to success. DirectLife is based on this principle. It motivates each individual in as many ways as possible. For example, it sets realistic goals, yet keeps pushing the bar higher, one step at a time. It also shows results online, and compares them with other participants. But mostly, sustained motivation is provided by a personal coach. Someone who gives feedback and who will be there throughout the program to provide encouragement and support. So there’s even more reason to keep moving more and to never give up.
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DirectLife records Measuring movement in three dimensions The activity monitor features a motion meter that detects and records every movement in three dimensions. Assuming the monitor is worn properly (and it’s difficult not to wear it properly), every movement is measured. For example, as soon as the person gets up to start walking, the upward and forward motions are measured and recorded. And while cycling or swimming, all leg movements are tracked and recorded. So whatever the activity, every movement counts.
Advanced algorithms What makes the DirectLife activity monitor so unique? The key is its use of advanced algorithms. These algorithms are able to express the activity pattern in terms of the amount 10
of calories burned. In addition, they take into account individual data such as gender, weight, height and age. Philips has invested many years of research to perfect these algorithms, in order to provide an accurate profile of an individual’s total energy expenditure during the day.
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Enhanced precision The most accurate way to track someone’s long-term energy use is with the proven ‘doubly labeled water method’. This method is ideal for determining a participant’s total energy use. The individual first drinks water that’s been enriched with heavy oxygen and heavy hydrogen. After a few doses to determine the amount of isotopes in the subject’s urine, the CO2 production level can be measured. When this is combined with data regarding the carbohydrate, protein and fat ratios in the fat-burning substrate, the energy use can be calculated. This procedure is completely harmless for the subject and can be performed on both healthy and sick individuals. By using this method, we were able to assess the accuracy and precision of the activity monitor. The result: the activity monitor prototype scored substantially higher for accuracy compared to other activity monitors. It thereby proved to be a highly capable instrument for tracking and measuring individual energy use over a 24-hour period.
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DirectLife proven effective Scientific research has shown: on average a 28% increase in activity 357 employees DirectLife was tested with 215 employees in three Dutch companies, as well as with 140 city employees in the town of Gilbert, Arizona, (USA), in co-operation with Arizona State University.. 43% of the Dutch participants were classified as inactive at the start of the DirectLife program. Of the American participants, 70% were rated inactive. No incentives or rewards were offered in any of the trials. Motivation was based solely on intrinsic factors. An incentive or reward program would certainly increase the participation rate.
12 weeks of tracking An average of 50% of the participants in the trial completed the full 12-week program. 12
These individuals tracked and monitored their activity level for 12 weeks, with their data uploaded to the web site showing their progress.
28% more activity Participants that were active at the beginning of the program did not significantly change their activity level over the 12 weeks. However, amongst the initially inactive participants, 25% of them increased their activity level. At the very least, there was a 5% increase in activity. On average, however, there was a 28% increase at the end of the 12 weeks. How significant is this? Just a 5% increase for an inactive person means he or she is walking 15 minutes every day instead of sitting. So a 28% increase for this group signifies a substantial boost in activity. In fact, this level approaches the WHO-recommended amount of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, five times a week.
25% of participants more active In conclusion: After following the 12-week DirectLife program, 25% of the initial inactive participants have become much more active. The rest have made a significant step towards modifying their behavior by raising awareness of their own activity. This last point came to light during an evaluation after the 12 weeks. Being able to observe and evaluate one’s own activity level was clearly seen to be a key benefit to the program.
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End12-week program insight into own activity inactive - program not completed successful increase in activity inactive - successful increase in activity insight into own activity inactive - no change in activity already active active
DirectLife in conclusion Expectations before the trial • Based on an introductory description of the total program, the participants were positive about DirectLife. They found it to be a clear and promising concept. • 75% of participants felt DirectLife answered a true need. • Main reasons for participation: to increase activity level, lose weight and become healthier. • Greatest expectations: insight into individual activity pattern, increasing awareness. • Participants hope to remain motivated, especially by taking advantage of the personal feedback
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• For 56% of participants, DirectLife surpassed their expectations. • Participants make more effort to keep active, thanks to the insight they now have into their own activity pattern. • Participants stay motivated, due to the continuous feedback on results. • The goal of becoming more active and healthier has been easily reached.
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Sources: 1. Westerterp, KR. Assessment of physical activity: a critical appraisal. Eur J Appl Physiol 2009; 105:823–828 2. Plasqui, G, Joosen, AMCP, Kester, AD, Goris, AHC, Westerterp KR. Measuring free-living energy expenditure and physical activity with triaxial accelerometry. Obes Res. 2005;13:1363–1369 3. Plasqui, G, Westerterp, KR. Physical activity assessment with accelerometers: an evaluation against doubly labeled water. Obesity. 2007;15:2371–2379. 4. Bonomi, AG, Plasqui, G. Goris, AHC, Westerterp, KR. Estimation of free-living energy expenditure using a novel activity monitor designed to minimize obtrusiveness. Submitted 2009. 5. Saini, P, Lacroix, J. Self-setting of Physical Activity Goals and Effects on Perceived Difficulty, Importance and Competence. Persuasive 2009 4th Int. Conf. On Persuasive Technology 6. Goris AHC, Holmes RVF. The effect of a Lifestyle Activity intervention program on improving physical activity behavior of employees. Persuasive 2008 3rd Int. Conf. on Persuasive Technology Oulu.
Setting the standard in health care With sales of € 27 billion in 2007, Philips is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home health care, energy efficient lighting solutions and lifestyle products for personal well-being. Headquartered in the Netherlands. Philips employs approximately 128,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide.
Improving quality of life Philips integrates technology and design in ‘human solutions’. We strive to improve the quality of life for people by focusing on the importance of health and well-being. For us ‘health’ goes beyond the medical aspect. Remaining fit, eating well, and enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle are also important.
Sense and simplicity To improve life in today’s world, where every aspect of daily life has become more complex, Philips leads the way with ‘sense and simplicity’. These are innovative products that are highly advanced yet easy to use. DirectLife is a perfect example of this principle.
DirectLife Every movement counts www.philips.com/directlife directlife @ philips.com