The Science Behind PAI

Based on the HUNT database, the Mio algorithm was developed to help the everyday user maintain the same level of physical activity that researchers found to contribute to a reduced risk of death from lifestyle diseases in study participants.

By analyzing a user's heart rate, Mio's proprietary, patented algorithm translates that data into a Personal Activity Intelligence number, or PAI. By monitoring his or her PAI number, a user can make positive activity level choices. Achieving the proper level of physical activity can extend longevity and reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases. The algorithm behind PAI was derived from the results of the HUNT studies conducted at The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, which have collected data concerning physical activity and health outcomes from over 45,000 participants over 25 years.

A 2016 analysis of the HUNT database that retroactively applied the PAI algorithm to collected data provides groundbreaking insight that identified an optimal amount of physical activity needed to help protect against lifestyle-related diseases. Because this analysis looked at data retrospectively, the study was not randomized, blinded or controlled (which are all measures that help reduce bias when testing the effect of a particular intervention). The study found a correlation between levels of exercise and mortality. The analysis showed that individuals with a PAI-level ≥100 had for men a 17% (range 7-27%) and for women a 23% (range 4-38%) reduced risk of cardiovascular disease mortality compared to inactive groups. There was also a corresponding risk reduction for all-cause mortality of for men 13% (range 6-20%) and for women 17% (range 6-26%). Importantly, it was observed that ≥100 PAI was associated with an average 4.7 (range 4.4-5.0) years of life gained compared with participants obtaining <100 PAI. This was reflected in estimates of 3.9 years of life extension (range 3.6-4.2) in women, compared to 6.0 (range 5.7-6.3) years in men.

Exercise and/or physical activity can present health risks and may not be advisable for everyone. Users should consult a physician before beginning any new exercise program.

Read the full article on the PAI study as published in The American Journal of Medicine.

Lean more about the benefits of PAI.