Development of a Nordic walking pole that provides sensor information using color

Abstract

Nordic walking, or walking with poles, is an effective aerobic activity that uses the whole body. We consider the information that can be learned from receiving feedback from the poles in real time during use. We developed a compact and portable system using Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Grove sensors, etc. to analyze the use of the poles in Nordic walking. We installed 10 axis IMU sensors at the tips of the poles, and measured the behavior of the poles in the system at the gymnasium and on a hiking course. From the acceleration information in the obtained data, we could study the difference of behavior between experts and beginners. In addition, we investigated the impressions of the colors of LED tape lights attached to the poles. From these data, it is possible to present useful information by changing the LED color in sensor data from the poles.