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Physical Activity Researcher

Physical Activity Researcher

Written by: paresearcher
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Hello and Welcome to Physical Activity Researcher Podcast! Physical Activity Researcher Podcast is the source of the latest research findings on all things related to physical activity, exercise, and health. World-renowned scientists and experts as guests in an informal and relaxed interview style format. New episodes on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The podcast is for anyone who likes to learn scientific and evidence-based knowledge of physical activity, exercise, and health. Our listeners range from researchers to health and fitness professionals, and from inactive office workers to marathon runners. Podcast has several series and hosts each concentrating on different aspects of physical activity: Physical Activity Researcher Series The latest research findings in exercise physiology, biomechanics, physical education, coaching sciences, sport psychology, epidemiology, and public health. These episodes are hosted by researcher and entrepreneur Dr Olli Tikkanen. Meaningful Sport Series Meaningful Sport is dedicated to the exploration of meaning and meaningful experiences in sport and physical activity. Many studies have revealed instrumental benefits of physical activity, but is there something more to it, and how does it contribute to meaningful lives? This series is led by Associate Professor Noora Ronkainen. The series provides inspiration for exploring the meaning and value in sport and physical activity for everyone. Practitioner’s Viewpoint Series Practitioner’s Viewpoint Series has health and fitness professionals as guests. How they see sedentary behaviour and physical activity in their work? What are the best practices to promote physical activity? This series is for you if you are a Personal Trainer, Physiotherapist, Medical Doctor, Health Coach, or anyone working as a health and fitness professional. This series is lead by physiotherapist MSc Liis Kukkonen. Publishing schedule: Tuesdays: Physical Activity Researcher Series Friday: Meaningful Sport Series Sundays: Practitioner’s Viewpoint Series. + Bonus episodes and republications of past highlight episodes We hope you find value in the podcast! -Podcasting team-Copyright 2019 All rights reserved. Science
Episodes
  • /Highlights/ Global Matrix: Mapping Children's Physical Activity - Dr. Javier Brazo-Sayavera (Pt1)
    Jan 19 2026

    In this engaging episode of the Physical Activity Researcher Podcast, Dr. Olli Tikkanen sits down for a chat with Dr. Javier Brazo-Sayavera, who hails from the University of Pablo de Olavide in Spain, to discuss about the Global Matrix initiative.

    This significant effort focuses on monitoring the physical activity levels of children from various countries, with the overarching aim of enhancing the health of young individuals worldwide.

    Dr. Brazo-Sayavera shares his journey from his academic beginnings in Spain to his impactful work in Uruguay, and then back to Spain, all while keeping his sights set on improving children's health through a better understanding of physical activity. The discussion highlights how the Global Matrix initiative compares activity levels internationally and identifies successful strategies for motivating children to be more active.

    Digging into the specifics of the initiative, they discuss how it evaluates countries based on the physical activity levels of their children and looks at the roles that schools and governments play in promoting healthier lifestyles.

    The conversation also touches on the challenges of gathering accurate and meaningful data in this area. Offering a blend of scientific insights and practical advice, this episode is filled with valuable information for anyone interested in public health, education, and the well-being of our younger generations.

    _________________________________________

    This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle

    ---

    Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely -

    Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS

    ---

    SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.

    Learn more about Fibion Research

    ---

    Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions.

    ---

    Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children.

    ---

    Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove.

    ---

    Explore our Wearables, Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep, Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles.

    ---

    Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods.

    ---

    Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide.

    ---

    Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview.

    ---

    Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ".

    ---

    For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability.

    ---

    Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher

    Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen

    Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion

    https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • /Highlights/ How to Reduce Skin Irritation in Long-Term ECG and HRV Measurements – José Näf (Pt4)
    Jan 15 2026

    Can electrode design support both signal stability and sustainability? José Näf explains how Nahtlos electrodes reduce waste and skin irritation while delivering high-quality data over time.

    In this fourth episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen and José Näf explore the technical and environmental details of electrode design for long-term HRV and ECG measurements. José discusses how offset connectors, biocompatible foil materials, and breathable adhesives improve comfort and data quality. He also explains the sustainability advantages of Nahtlos’ packaging and activation system, which extends product shelf life and cuts down on disposable waste.

    The conversation expands into practical tips on cable management, adhesive reactions, and how to reduce motion artifacts during physical activity. They also touch on emerging opportunities in long-term EMG monitoring and multi-sensor wearable setups. This episode gives practical guidance for researchers, developers, and clinicians aiming for long-duration, high-quality physiological data.

    __________

    This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle

    ---

    Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely -

    Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS

    ---

    SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.

    Learn more about Fibion Research

    ---

    Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions.

    ---

    Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children.

    ---

    Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove.

    ---

    Explore our Wearables, Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep, Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles.

    ---

    Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods.

    ---

    Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide.

    ---

    Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview.

    ---

    Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ".

    ---

    For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability.

    ---

    Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher

    Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen

    Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion

    https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • /Highlights/ Electrode Innovations: Self-Humidifying Electrodes for Long-Term HRV and ECG Measurements– José Näf (Pt3)
    Jan 11 2026

    Can electrode systems self-regulate moisture to keep data quality high for 10 days? José Näf explains how Nahtlos’ innovative design improves both signal stability and skin comfort in long-term ECG and HRV tracking.

    In this third episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen continues the deep dive with José Näf into how advanced electrode technology is addressing the long-standing issues in long-term heart rate variability and ECG measurement. José introduces Nahtlos' breakthrough: a hybrid electrode with a water reservoir and a semi-permeable membrane that mimics natural sweating, maintaining low impedance and high-quality signals for up to 10 days.

    They also explore how breathable adhesives, biocompatible conductive textiles, and precise material selection reduce skin irritation and improve patient comfort. José shares the testing process, from self-experimentation to hospital trials, and how their team developed their own standards for evaluating signal quality. This episode gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at how wearable ECG technology evolves from lab innovation to clinical use.

    __________

    This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle

    ---

    Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely -

    Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS

    ---

    SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.

    Learn more about Fibion Research

    ---

    Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions.

    ---

    Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children.

    ---

    Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove.

    ---

    Explore our Wearables, Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep, Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles.

    ---

    Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods.

    ---

    Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide.

    ---

    Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview.

    ---

    Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ".

    ---

    For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability.

    ---

    Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher

    Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen

    Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion

    https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
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