Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
06:52
Behavioral and Locomotor Measurements Using an Open Field Activity Monitoring System for Skeletal Muscle Diseases
Published on: September 29, 2014
Use of an open-loop system to increase physical activity.
James N Roemmich1, Christina L Lobarinas, Jacob E Barkley
1Dept. of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, SUNY Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
Pediatric Exercise Science
|September 14, 2012
Summary
This study shows that linking physical activity to TV time (F+R) significantly reduced children's screen time and boosted their physical activity. These positive habits persisted for up to a year.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Behavioral Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Childhood sedentary behavior, particularly excessive screen time, is a major public health concern.
- Low levels of physical activity in children contribute to overweight and obesity.
- Intervention strategies are needed to promote physical activity and reduce screen time in youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an open-loop system designed to increase children's physical activity by reinforcing it with television access.
- To assess the long-term effectiveness of this intervention on physical activity levels and screen time.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving nonoverweight, sedentary children aged 8-12 years.
- Three groups: feedback + reinforcement (F+R), feedback only, and control.
- Participants wore accelerometers for 4 months, with a 1-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- The F+R group showed a significant reduction in daily TV viewing (68 min/day) compared to control groups.
- Physical activity increased by 44% in the F+R group, exceeding other groups.
- Reduced TV time in the F+R group was maintained at the 1-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
- An open-loop system linking physical activity to TV rewards effectively decreases screen time and increases physical activity in children.
- The intervention demonstrates potential for establishing sustainable healthy habits regarding screen time and physical activity.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for combating childhood sedentary behavior.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Open and closed-loop control systems
Control systems are foundational elements in automation and engineering. They are broadly categorized into open-loop and closed-loop systems. These classifications hinge on the presence or absence of feedback mechanisms, significantly influencing the system's performance, complexity, and application.
An open-loop control system operates without feedback from the output. It consists of two primary elements: the controller and the controlled process. The controller receives an input signal and...
An open-loop control system operates without feedback from the output. It consists of two primary elements: the controller and the controlled process. The controller receives an input signal and...
01:18Positive and Negative Feedback Loops
Animal organs and organ systems constantly adjust to internal and external changes through a process called homeostasis ("steady state"). Examples of these changes include regulation of the level of glucose or calcium in the blood or internal responses to external temperatures. Homeostasis requires maintaining an internal dynamic equilibrium:
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:21Control System Problem
In an open-loop system, such as a basic thermostat, the poles of the transfer function influence the system's response but do not determine its stability. However, when feedback is introduced to form a closed-loop system, such as an advanced thermostat that adjusts heating based on room temperature, stability is governed by the new poles of the closed-loop transfer function.
When forming a closed-loop system, issues can arise if the poles cross into the unstable region, leading to potential...
When forming a closed-loop system, issues can arise if the poles cross into the unstable region, leading to potential...