| Round Lake Vättern |
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In 2005, in the ‘Round Lake Vättern’ recreational event (Vätternrundan, an annual 300-kilometre, non-competitive cycling challenge), two volunteers from Motala were selected from among the cyclists taking part. Lena Bäckman and Anders Engström were equipped with measuring instruments and transmitters. Data normally recorded on a cycle computer, such as pulse, speed and a few other parameters like position and route profile, were transmitted by the two cyclists to the finishing post in Motala. Relatives, acquaintances and bike enthusiasts followed the cyclists’ progress on a big screen with keen interest. During the ‘Round Lake Vättern’ race in 2006, New Tools for Health held a demonstration of other technology, on a large scale. Ten specially selected volunteer cyclists were provided with devices for measuring various medical and other parameters on their ride round Vättern. The whole ride was shown on a big screen in a marquee at Torget, the main square in Motala, for relatives and interested members of the public to follow. This was because the cyclists’ geographical location was displayed continuously on Google Earth. By clicking on the symbol for a particular cyclist, it was also possible to obtain speed, pulse and ECG data. The system was developed by the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Linköping University, in cooperation with a company called Flodafors Lego and New Tools for Health. Kusthälsan (now Sensia), another company, also helped by providing medical measurements both before and after the event. Before, during and after the event, New Tools for Health was on the spot at Torget to inform visitors about new technology and its capacity to enhance the value and benefits of exercise — and contribute to better health in the long term. A similar demonstration was also held during the 2007 ‘Round Lake Vättern’ event, and the technology used has now proceeded to a commercialisation project. |
