PI's: Prof. Dr. Alexander Horsch, Prof. Dr. Alois Knoll
PhD Candidate: Chen Chen, M.Sc. Media Inf.

For the measurement of physical activity, physiological acceleration sensors are available. They provide a means for the measurement of physical activity in the common environment of the human subject which is under monitoring. Studies have shown that patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and little daily physical activity are at higher risk of re-hospitalization and shorter survival time compared to those with high level of physical activity. Currently, the common approach for quantifying the physical activity of COPD patients is based on questionnaires or diaries, analysis of video recordings, or data from movement sensors.

By answering its specific research questions, this Ph.D. project is expected to create highly relevant evidence on how to monitor and manage COPD patients living independently in their own homes, by use of suitable biosensors. This is the first effort to study the opportunities that biosensors (other types of sensors will follow) can offer for studies within the KORA cohort and its 18.000 members, on a potentially large variety of specific problems.