Child Health Research

It is not often I get the chance to get interesting photos and help in worthwhile research but last week my daughter and Exeter University gave me just such an opportunity.
 
My daughter volunteered to help in a PhD student’s research into child health and fitness at Exeter University.  She was ‘wired up’ with a face mask to measure her breathing rate, as well as arm and body motion monitors.  There were basically two pieces of research, the first was to play boxing on a Wii computer game and then to run on a treadmill.
 
Not only were her physical efforts being monitored she was also asked questions about how she was feeling and how much effort she felt she was putting in to each activity and of course how ‘happy’ she felt.
 
Apparently the Wii was the most fun, not surprising when after a while on the treadmill it was slowly inclined so that she was running up hill and she had to keep going until she asked to stop.
 
This was interesting as it was the first time my daughter had pushed herself physically until she couldn’t do any more. 
 
The research was being undertaken by Lisa Phillips at Exeter University’s Sports and Science department.
 
We will be given a health report on my daughter but judging by the effort she put in on the treadmill I think it will be okay.