ITINERA2: Progress and Situation state

The ITINERA2 project continues to evolve with the aim of promoting active ageing of the population. Little by little, the project is getting bigger and, like all of us, facing the unforeseen and challenges that the day-to-day life poses. 

After having passed the initial phases aimed at the analysis of scientific documentation related to the objectives of ITINERA2 and the development of the software and hardware necessary for its effective implementation, the solution is now operational and in the process of validation. Thus, the ITINERA2 team has successfully deployed the four control points (RFID modules) developed along the Greenway Tineo - El Crucero (P.R. AS-245), located in the council of Tineo, within the Principality of Asturias. A regular environment for the people of Tineo where they can do physical activity and interact with other people participating in ITINERA2 along 2.5 kilometers. A route where their activity, both individually and in groups, is monitored in a simple way, simply by wearing an elastic silicone bracelet with passive RFID chips integrated into it. 

Figure 1. Sample of RFID modules installed along the Path

In doing so, the system collects, and provides each participant with, real-time information on calories consumed, distance traveled, speed, consecutive days on the Trail, and personal performance, providing a set of challenges and challenges that are met as the activity on the Trail increases. 

All this information is displayed on an open platform where it is possible to consult the progress of each participant in an anonymous way, associating each participant with the identifier of their bracelet. In this way, individualized information related to their activity is offered, and a personalized application of the gamification strategies can be carried out.

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Figure 2. Example of the area of achievement/gamification associated with an ITINERA2 participant

The official launch of the validation phase of the project took place on March 2 at the premises of the Tineo City Council. This event was open to the local population and served to raise awareness of the initiative itself, as well as encouraging the participation of those attending. In this respect, ITINERA2 proposes the participation of people over 50 years old divided into two groups (experimental and control). The data generated throughout the Path and the completion of a standardized evaluation at the beginning and end of the validation period will allow scientific evidence related to the improvement of subjective well-being and quality of life to be obtained. The experience and knowledge of the population by the Municipal Health School of Tineo will be fundamental, both to channel local participation and to apply the necessary evaluation protocol. 

Figure 3. Official presentation of the ITINERA2 project

ITINERA2 recently began to have its first participants, collecting the initial data along the Path, fulfilling its first challenges and achieving its first rewards. However, a few days after its start, the already known COVID-19 and the measures adopted by the Spanish Government, have forced a temporary stop of physical activity along the Trail. A fact that has altered the route plan established in the project itself. However, despite this unexpected and regrettable adversity, ITINERA2 continues to be active. Thus, alternatives based on ICTs have been sought, trying to encourage social relations and physical activity at home. That is, maintaining the essence and the technological component of ITINERA2.

In recent days, the participants of ITINERA2 have promoted various initiatives in social networks. Among them stands out the one launched by the mayor of Tineo council in which, through a video practicing cycling from home, serves as the best possible example for the population. 

A "simple" video that has been the flame to generate a continuous chain of publications adapted to the situation of each person: exercising with resources that exist in any house or to continue with our favorite sport. Diverse publications, but with a common message: try to raise awareness not only of the importance of staying at home, but also to continue doing physical activity and maintaining the relationship with other people. Actions that demonstrate the clear commitment of the users both with the objectives of the project and with the health recommendations that, nowadays, are so important to comply with in order to stop the expansion of the coronavirus. Actions that, although seeming simple, show the power of technology to keep us connected and to motivate the practice of sports from any corner.

While waiting for the social situation to be resolved, in the coming months the project will continue its progression. Thus, new data will be available to validate the system, obtain results of its potential benefit on population health and objective data that will allow its transfer to other environments with similar challenges and population characteristics. Soon we will walk together again!

Figure 4. RFID bracelet from the ITINERA2 project