Physical Activity Researcher

📢 How Can Researchers Overcome Common Challenges in ESM Studies? Participant fatigue, low response rates, and data inconsistencies can threaten ESM research—here’s how to tackle them. In this episode, we explore common challenges in Experience Sampling Method (ESM) research and practical solutions to enhance study success. We discuss strategies to reduce participant fatigue, such as optimizing pr...

Does clothing material affect ECG signal quality? José Näf explains how electrostatic effects, electrode placement, and connector design influence long-term HRV and ECG data accuracy. In this second episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen continues his discussion with José Näf, co-founder of Nahtlos, diving deeper into the practical challenges of long-term ECG and HRV monitoring. José shares critical insights...

Dry electrodes often promise convenience, but why do they so often fail in long-term heart monitoring? José Näf breaks down the science and business behind electrode design for ECG and HRV tracking. In this episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen is joined by José Näf, founder of Nahtlos, to explore the challenges and innovations in electrode design for long-term ECG and heart rate variability monitoring. José...

Jesse Cook is a PhD candidate in the Dr. David Plante Sleep Research Laboratory and studies biological, psychological and sociological factors that connect with unexplained excessive sleepiness. He was first drawn to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research through the connection between sleep health and AD, and the prevention, detection and potential treatment implications of this connection. Cook belie...

🧠 Can AI Unlock New Insights in Health Research? Machine learning is changing the way we analyze physical activity—revealing patterns and predicting health outcomes like never before. In this episode, we introduce the fundamentals of machine learning (ML) in physical activity and health research. We explore how supervised learning helps classify activities using labeled data, while unsupervised l...

💡 Can Light-Based Sensors Revolutionize Health Monitoring? Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors are reshaping how we track heart health—non-invasively, in real time, and from anywhere. In this episode, we explore how PPG sensors are transforming health monitoring by using light to measure blood flow and cardiovascular function. Once limited to hospital settings, PPG technology is now embedded in we...

Christina Reynolds, PhD Christina Reynolds received her Ph. D. in astrophysics from University College London and a Master's degree in software engineering from Harvard University. She has been a Data Scientist with ORCATECH with a focus on developing algorithms for the analysis of ORCATECH's large and diverse data set.  Much of her research career has involved developing software algorithms used...

📢 How Can Researchers Improve Compliance in Experience Sampling Studies? High-quality ESM research depends on participant engagement—so how do we keep compliance rates high without overwhelming them? In this episode, we explore strategies to improve compliance in Experience Sampling Method (ESM) studies, ensuring reliable and high-quality data collection. We discuss the key factors influencing pa...

🧠 Can AI and Wearables Transform Heart Function Research? From posture to activity levels, new AI-driven insights reveal how daily movements shape cardiovascular health. In this episode, we explore how body position, physical activity, and AI-enhanced HRV data are revolutionizing heart function research. Wearable devices now track posture shifts—sitting, standing, lying down—and physical activity...

Christina Reynolds, PhD Christina Reynolds received her Ph. D. in astrophysics from University College London and a Master's degree in software engineering from Harvard University. She has been a Data Scientist with ORCATECH with a focus on developing algorithms for the analysis of ORCATECH's large and diverse data set.  Much of her research career has involved developing software algorithms used...

📡 Can Machine Learning Unlock the Full Potential of Wearable Health Data? Multi-biosignal monitoring is revolutionizing research, capturing heart rate variability, ECG, oxygen saturation, and more—now, AI is making sense of it all. In this episode, we explore how machine learning and multi-biosignal monitoring are transforming health research. By combining heart rate variability (HRV), ECG, respi...

🚀 How Will Machine Learning Shape the Future of Physical Activity Research? From deep learning to real-time feedback, AI is set to transform how we track, analyze, and personalize health insights like never before. In this episode, we explore the future trends and advancements in machine learning for physical activity research. Emerging technologies like deep learning and transfer learning are im...

Christina Reynolds, PhD Christina Reynolds received her Ph. D. in astrophysics from University College London and a Master's degree in software engineering from Harvard University. She has been a Data Scientist with ORCATECH with a focus on developing algorithms for the analysis of ORCATECH's large and diverse data set.  Much of her research career has involved developing software algorithms used...

📊 How Can We Capture Human Experience in Real Time? Traditional surveys rely on memory, but what if we could collect thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as they happen? That’s the power of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM). In this episode, we dive into the Experience Sampling Method (ESM)—a research technique that captures momentary experiences, offering deeper insights into human behavior. Unl...

🚀 Supervised learning predicts outcomes, while unsupervised learning uncovers hidden trends—but what happens when we combine them? Machine learning is transforming physical activity research, but choosing the right approach can make all the difference. This episode explores the differences between supervised and unsupervised learning in physical activity research, highlighting when to use each me...

Dr Anna M Biller is a trained psychologist and neuroscientist, and works at the intersection of light, sleep, circadian rhythms and health psychology. She uses light dosimetry, actimetry, sleep diaries and questionnaires to study health and disease in field studies. She also works on big data derived from wearables. -- This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Beha...

Dr Anna M Biller is a trained psychologist and neuroscientist, and works at the intersection of light, sleep, circadian rhythms and health psychology. She uses light dosimetry, actimetry, sleep diaries and questionnaires to study health and disease in field studies.  She is also working with big data derived from wearables. -- This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedent...

Dr Anna M Biller is a trained psychologist and neuroscientist, and works at the intersection of light, sleep, circadian rhythms and health psychology. She uses light dosimetry, actimetry, sleep diaries and questionnaires to study health and disease in field studies. She also works on big data derived from wearables. -- This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Beha...

How does the Fibion Flash ECG electrode work? What makes it ideal for long-term heart rate variability monitoring? In this episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen explains how Fibion Flash’s ECG electrodes provide high-quality heart rate and variability data for research applications. Dr. Tikkanen demonstrates how the device connects to individually packed ECG electrodes, allowing for accurate single-lead ECG...

Mr Peter Walker - Sedentary Behavior | New book | Writing a book | Creating an audio book In this episode we are discussing with Guardian political journalist Peter Walker about his new book (The Miracle Pill – Why a sedentary world is getting it all wrong), journalism, politics and process of writing a book. “What is the 'miracle pill', the simple lifestyle changes with such enormous health benef...

This is the audio from a video. Watch the video here: Fibion Flash vs. ActiHeart 5: The Best Alternative for Researchers     Looking for a powerful alternative to ActiHeart 5? How does Fibion Flash compare in accuracy, battery life, and versatility? In this episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen presents Fibion Flash as an advanced research tool, offering superior measurement capabilities for physical activit...

Dr Bruno da Costa has a bachelor's degree in Physical Education at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (2009-2013). While as an undergraduate, he worked as a tutor for exercise physiology, taught swimming lessons, and participated in several research and study groups, with a longer period at the Laboratory of Behavioral Nutrition/UFSC. He was also trained as a Master in Physical Education at...

This is the audio from a video. Watch the video here: Fibion Flash: Versatile Wearing Options for Research Applications How can Fibion Flash be worn for different types of research? What makes it one of the most adaptable sensors for physical activity and physiological monitoring? In this episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen showcases the multiple wearing options of Fibion Flash, explaining how researchers...

In contemporary physical activity promotion, a quantitative and instrumental approach is the predominant perspective. From this view, physical activity needs to be promoted as a means to prevent various threats to physical and mental health produced by our sedentary lifestyles. With Professor Sigmund Loland, we explore alternative framings that could help us imagine human movement, including munda...

This is the audio from a video. Watch the video here: Exploring Fibion Flash Features: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, and More - Dr. Olli Tikkanen Looking for a compact, versatile research tool for movement and physiological monitoring? How can Fibion Flash enhance your studies? In this episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen presents the features of Fibion Flash, a small yet powerful sensor designed for research a...