Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI): Tracking Physical Activity

Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI)

Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) is a metric for tracking physical activity that aims to make it easier to quantify the intensity of one's daily activities. PAI is calculated based on heart rate response to exercise, which is derived using a proprietary algorithm that considers individual factors such as age, sex, resting heart rate, and maximal predicted heart rate.

To earn PAI, one must engage in activities that increase their heart rate. The higher the heart rate, the faster PAI points are earned. Research has shown that achieving a weekly PAI score of 100 or higher is associated with an average lifespan that is eight years longer than for those who do not reach this level of physical activity.

PAI is not limited to specific types of activities. It can be earned through a variety of exercises, including walking, running, cycling, rowing, swimming, or even going skiing. The key factor is the intensity of the activity, which is reflected in the heart rate response.

The Mia Health app, partly owned by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, is one of the best options for measuring PAI. It can be used with most smartwatches and allows people without heart rate monitors to manually log their activities. The Mia Health app is currently available in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Ukraine, and Australia, with plans to expand to other countries.

PAI is not just a metric for overall health and fitness. It can also be beneficial for individuals with certain health conditions. For example, a study with diabetes patients found that using PAI helped improve exercise capacity, sleep, and reduce body fat. Another study with heart patients found that using PAI in cardiac rehabilitation increased physical activity and was recommended by all participants.

In summary, PAI is a personalized metric for tracking physical activity that considers individual factors and encourages a more active lifestyle. By measuring heart rate response to exercise, PAI provides a simple, yet effective way to assess the intensity of daily activities and improve overall health.