Point System

The Activity Challenge Bot uses a scientifically validated point system based on Metabolic Equivalents of Task (METs) to ensure fair scoring across all types of physical activities.

Overview

Points are awarded using the MET-hour formula, which takes into account both the intensity of an activity (measured in METs) and its duration. This ensures that a vigorous 20-minute workout and a moderate 40-minute walk can be fairly compared.

The Formula

Points = (MET × Duration in minutes) / 60

Where:

• MET = Metabolic Equivalent of Task (from the activity database)
• Duration = Time spent on the activity in minutes
• 60 = Normalization factor (converts to hours, keeps points manageable)

Why This Formula?

1. Scientifically Valid: METs are a standardized way to measure activity intensity used in exercise physiology research
2. Fair Comparison: Activities of different types can be objectively compared
3. Intuitive: The result roughly equals "hours of moderate activity"
4. Prevents Gaming: You can't accumulate excessive points by logging many 1-minute activities

MET Values

MET values represent how many times more energy you burn compared to sitting at rest (1 MET = resting metabolic rate).

Common MET Ranges

Activity Intensity	MET Range	Examples
Light	1.5 - 3.0	Slow walking, stretching, light household chores
Moderate	3.0 - 6.0	Brisk walking, recreational cycling, moderate swimming
Vigorous	6.0 - 9.0	Running, fast cycling, competitive sports
Very Vigorous	9.0+	Competitive running, intense interval training

Data Source

All MET values come from the 2024 Compendium of Physical Activities, a comprehensive research compilation maintained by Arizona State University. This database includes:

• Over 10 specific activities
• Scientifically validated MET values
• Multiple intensity levels for most activities
• Detailed example descriptions

Citation: Ainsworth BE, Haskell WL, Herrmann SD, et al. 2024 Compendium of Physical Activities. Available at: https://pacompendium.com/

Point Example: Running (Moderate Pace)

Activity: Running, jogging
Intensity: General (MET = 8.0)
Duration: 30 minutes

Points = (8.0 × 30) / 60 = 4.0 points

Expected Weekly Points

To help you understand what "good" performance looks like:

Activity Level	Daily Average	Weekly Total	Description
Beginner	2-3 points/day	14-21 points/week	30 min/day of moderate activity
Active	4-6 points/day	28-42 points/week	45-60 min/day of varied activities
Very Active	7-10 points/day	49-70 points/week	60-90 min/day of moderate-vigorous activity
Athlete	10-15 points/day	70-105 points/week	90+ min/day of intense training

Note: These are general guidelines. Your personal goals should be based on your current fitness level, health status, and available time.

Guild Rankings

Guilds are ranked by average points per member, not total points. This ensures fair competition regardless of guild size.

Guild Scoring Formula

Guild Average = Total Guild Points / Total Guild Membership

Where:

• Total Guild Points = Sum of points from all guild members (including those with 0 points)
• Total Guild Membership = Configured membership count for the guild

Why Average Points?

1. Fair for Small Guilds: A small, highly active guild can compete with larger guilds
2. Encourages Participation: Guilds benefit from getting more members active, not just recruiting
3. Sustainable: Doesn't create pressure for unsustainable activity levels
4. Team Spirit: Every member's contribution matters equally

Guild Metrics

The leaderboard shows several metrics for context:

• Average Points: The ranking metric (points per total member)
• Total Points: Raw sum of all member points
• Active Members: Members who have logged at least one activity
• Registered Members: Members who have signed up for the bot
• Total Members: Configured guild membership count
• Participation %: (Active Members / Total Members) × 100

Example Guild Comparison

Guild	Total Members	Active	Total Points	Avg Points	Rank
TiK	200	80	1200	6.0	1
AS	150	60	750	5.0	2
KY	300	120	1350	4.5	3

Even though KY has the most total points, TiK wins because of higher average points per member.

Future Enhancements

Potential point system improvements being considered:

1. Achievement Bonuses: Extra points for milestones (first activity, weekly streaks, etc.)
2. Social Event Multipliers: Bonus points for participating in group activities
3. Beginner Boost: Temporary point multiplier for new users to help them get started
4. Activity Diversity Bonus: Encourage trying different types of activities
5. Weekly Challenges: Temporary special scoring for specific activities
6. Single Source for User points: Apply the same caching logic for user points that is used for guild points