Sources & Kivo methodology
Kivo provides general fitness and nutrition education. Its app-authored estimates and heuristics are not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, or exercise clearance.
Energy targets
Kivo estimates resting energy with the Mifflin–St Jeor equation, applies a selected activity factor, and then applies an editable goal adjustment. If sex is not specified, Kivo uses the arithmetic midpoint of the published male and female constants. That midpoint, the activity factors, Kivo’s 1,200-calorie planning floor, and its goal adjustments are app assumptions—not measured metabolism or clinically validated prescriptions.
- Mifflin–St Jeor resting-energy equation
- National Academies: Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy
- NIDDK Body Weight Planner
Nutrition and protein
Kivo uses 4 kcal/g for protein and carbohydrate and 9 kcal/g for fat, then applies editable planning presets. The exact goal-to-protein mapping and macro splits are not clinically validated for an individual. Food-label and catalogue attribution identifies data provenance; it is not medical evidence.
- National Academies macronutrient DRI
- Nutrition and athletic performance position statement
- Canada’s Food Guide
Hydration
Kivo’s smart target begins at 33 mL/kg, adds 8 mL per planned exercise minute up to 600 mL, and clamps the estimate to 1.8–4.2 L. This is an unvalidated beverage-planning heuristic. Published adequate-intake values include water from food and do not validate Kivo’s formula. Climate, sweat rate, illness, pregnancy, and medication can change needs substantially.
Readiness and sleep
Kivo readiness is an unvalidated coaching heuristic that combines available sleep, HRV, resting-heart-rate, activity, soreness, mood, and self-check signals against personal baselines. It is not a medical measurement or clearance to exercise, and missing data remains unknown.
Activity energy and deficit runway
Kivo estimates manual activity energy from duration, body weight, and Compendium-style MET categories with app-authored intensity adjustments. Wearable energy is also an estimate. Kivo’s uncertainty bands, deficit runway, pace zones, and refuel prompts are unvalidated planning signals, not a measured calorie deficit.
Weight trend
Kivo fits a simple trend across eligible weigh-ins and compares it with sufficiently complete food and activity days. Its inclusion rules, confidence gates, and optional 100-calorie trial are app-authored and unvalidated. Short-term changes often reflect water, sodium, meals, glycogen, and timing.
Training, progression, and movement
Kivo uses population-level activity guidance and general exercise-programming principles, then applies app-authored scheduling and recovery rules. Generated workouts and form cues are general education, not rehabilitation or individualized clinical programming.
- U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines, 2nd edition
- WHO physical activity guidelines
- ACSM resistance-training progression model
- Parkinson’s Foundation exercise guidance
Urgent warning signs
Kivo cannot assess an emergency. Call local emergency services for chest pressure or pain, fainting, severe trouble breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, facial droop, trouble speaking, or another severe or rapidly worsening symptom.
Questions or corrections
Evidence questions and correction requests can be sent to admin@pragmatic.onl. Material formula or source changes update the review date above.