Challenges for the Similarity-Based Comparison of Human Physical Activities Using Time Series Data

In this position paper we present various aspects of comparing human physical activities using time series data within the selfBACK project. The goal of the project is to develop a decision support system for patients suffering from non-specific low back pain. The system will give users advice in form of a self-management plan that is based on self-reported physical and psychological symptoms as well as activity stream data collected by a wristband. Here, we discuss the activity stream representation difficulties as well as various challenges that arise when comparing the resulting activity streams.