University Hospital professor develops Seismofit device to measure fitness levels at UN General Assembly

Do you know your fitness level? This measure indicates how much oxygen your muscles can absorb and reflects your overall physical condition. For many, this number remains unknown. However, according to Professor Peter Søgaard from Aalborg University Hospital, it can be crucial in determining the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and various forms of cancer.

Alongside colleagues, Søgaard has developed a measuring device called Seismofit, which he will present at a health conference during the UN General Assembly. The connection between diseases and fitness levels is significant.

The Seismofit device allows for a quick assessment of fitness levels without the need for running exercises or stopwatches. According to Søgaard, those in the lower range face an increased risk of early mortality due to various diseases linked to poor fitness.

The device measures a person’s maximum oxygen uptake and the ability to deliver it to body cells. Typically, this is determined through physical tests, such as running or cycling. In contrast, Seismofit identifies fitness levels by measuring vibrations from heartbeats transmitted to the chest wall. The device is placed on the patient’s chest, with their age, height, and weight entered into an app. A fitness test using Seismofit takes about 45 seconds.

Understanding one’s fitness level enables proactive steps toward healthier eating, increased exercise, and improved habits. “By identifying at-risk individuals, we can prevent many hospital treatments later in life, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems,” states Søgaard.

Seismofit is produced by VentriJect, a company stemming from Aalborg University, with Falck as one of its initial clients, utilizing the device for health check-ups. Marie Louise Raben, chief nurse at Falck, views Seismofit as an essential tool, stating that fitness level is a significant parameter for overall health.