Enhancing the Measurement of Outdoor Fitness Equipment Use: A Review and Validation of Digital Monitoring Technologies

About this project
This project will provide a comprehensive overview of existing methods for measuring outdoor fitness equipment use, identifying their strengths, limitations, and practical applications while highlighting gaps in current monitoring techniques. Existing monitoring methods—such as manual observation and self-reported surveys—are resource-intensive, prone to bias, and lack scalability. While digital monitoring technologies offer a potential solution, their accuracy and reliability in real-world conditions remain unvalidated. This project directly addresses this critical knowledge gap by systematically assessing the effectiveness of sensor-based monitoring, ensuring that digital technologies can be trusted as a scalable solution for fitness infrastructure assessment.

By bridging the gap between traditional observational techniques and emerging sensor-based approaches, the project will ensure more accurate, scalable, and cost-effective data collection methods for outdoor fitness equipment use. The overarching research question for this project is: How can digital monitoring technologies enhance the accuracy, reliability, and scalability of outdoor fitness equipment usage measurement compared to traditional observational and self-reported methods.

The findings will inform best practices for outdoor fitness equipment monitoring by providing guidelines for researchers, policymakers, and local councils on selecting and implementing effective measurement methods, including recommendations for integrating digital monitoring technologies. The project findings will help local councils make evidence-based decisions about outdoor fitness infrastructure investments, maintenance, and upgrades. It will also provide policymakers with guidelines for implementing smart urban fitness initiatives, enhancing public health outcomes through optimized exercise spaces. This work will also enhance teaching activities by providing empirical insights and case studies for health science and public health curricula, exposing students to emerging technologies in health monitoring and digital surveillance methods.


What you’ll do
The applicant will undertake a range of activities, specifically: 1) A systematic review of methods for measuring outdoor fitness equipment use, synthesizing findings on observational techniques, surveys, and digital tracking systems; 2) In-person observations at outdoor fitness sites to collect data on usage patterns and compare it with digital monitoring data to assess the accuracy of monitoring technologies; and 3) Quantitative data analysis and reporting, based on the in-person observations and data collected using digital tracking devices. Due to ongoing collaborations between UniSA and local councils, there may be opportunities for the student to contribute to other industry-related projects as they become available. The applicant will also present their findings at internal seminars, to partnered councils, and at external conferences and contribute to research publications based on the project’s outcomes.

This Masters of Research project will investigate methods for measuring outdoor fitness equipment use, with a particular focus on validating digital monitoring technologies.

The project consists of two key studies:

1)  Systematic Review of Outdoor Fitness Equipment Monitoring Methods:
This study will review existing methods used to measure outdoor fitness equipment usage, including observational techniques, sensor-based monitoring, survey-based self-reports, and digital tracking technologies. The review will assess the strengths, limitations, and feasibility of each method for capturing accurate usage data.

2)  Validation of Digital Monitoring Technologies for Outdoor Fitness Equipment Use:
This study will involve in-person observations of outdoor fitness equipment sites equipped with digital monitors, comparing manually recorded usage data with the data captured by digital tracking systems. It will examine the reliability, validity, and practical challenges of using digital monitors for OFE assessment, considering factors such as environmental conditions, user behaviour, and technical constraints.

The findings from this project will inform best practices for monitoring OFE use, supporting councils and policymakers in evaluating the effectiveness of outdoor exercise infrastructure and optimizing its impact on community health.
 

Where you’ll be based
This project is embedded within the broader research environment of the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) and the Allied Health and Human Performance Unit at the University of South Australia. The project complements ongoing, funded research initiatives within the research team that are currently using digital monitors to track outdoor fitness equipment usage across multiple local councils, strengthening the evidence base for these monitoring methods. By validating digital monitoring technologies, this project contributes to methodological advancements in physical activity surveillance and infrastructure evaluation, supporting data-driven decision-making for councils and policymakers. The findings will provide valuable insights for end-users such as local governments, urban planners, and health organizations, enabling more effective assessment and enhancement of outdoor fitness spaces to support population-level physical activity.

The student will have access to a multidisciplinary team of researchers and peers with expertise in physical activity, health promotion, and technology, fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge exchange. They will be working alongside researchers involved in multiple funded projects that focus on monitoring outdoor fitness equipment, utilizing digital monitoring technologies. This presents an excellent opportunity for the student to gain exposure to and be involved with ongoing projects, learn from active researchers, and contribute to the development of innovative monitoring methods.

The research environment is further supported by state-of-the-art equipment and technology, including digital monitoring devices, and access to outdoor fitness equipment sites for field observations. These resources provide a hands-on learning experience and ensure that the student can conduct both the review of existing monitoring methods and the validation study effectively. Financial Support
This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. A fee offset for the standard term of the program is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Additionally, any Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant who holds an offer of admission without a living allowance will be eligible for the Aboriginal Enterprise Research Scholarship. This scholarship is to the value of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). Any Aboriginal Enterprise Research Scholarship recipient will also receive a fee waiver. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.


Eligibility and Selection
This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a Master of Research. 

Additionally, applicants must provide detail on the project selection criteria, specifically: 

· Your experience with digital monitoring devices 

· What interests you about this particular project

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time (preferred), but part-time considered in special circumstances, and to be based at our City East campus in the heart of Adelaide.


Essential Dates 
Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on 21 April 2025.