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A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers

A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers

Published on: April 21, 2017

Actigraph accelerometer interinstrument reliability during free-living in adults.

James J McClain¹, Susan B Sisson, Catrine Tudor-Locke

¹Walking Research Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Wellness, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ 85212-0180, USA. james.mcclain@asu.edu

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise

|September 7, 2007

Summary

Actigraph accelerometers show high reliability for assessing physical activity (PA) in free-living conditions. For optimal interinstrument reliability, consider reporting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) instead of separate moderate and vigorous intensities.

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Area of Science:

Biomedical Engineering
Exercise Physiology
Wearable Technology

Background:

The Actigraph accelerometer is a validated tool for physical activity (PA) assessment.
Previous studies validated the Actigraph, but interinstrument reliability in free-living conditions remains unexamined.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the agreement between concurrently worn Actigraph accelerometers on the right and left hips.
To assess interinstrument reliability for both raw accelerometer outputs and derived physical activity intensity variables during 24-hour free-living conditions.

Main Methods:

Ten pairs of Actigraph accelerometers were worn by 10 participants during waking hours.
Raw data (activity counts, steps) and derived variables (time in sedentary, light, moderate, vigorous, and MVPA) were analyzed.

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Last Updated: Jul 12, 2026

A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers

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Published on: April 21, 2017

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Interinstrument reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), absolute percent error (APE), coefficient of variation (CV), and paired t-tests.

Main Results:

High interinstrument reliability was observed for total activity counts, steps, and time spent in sedentary, light, vigorous, and MVPA.
Moderate intensity time showed an ICC of 0.98, APE of 18.8%, and CV of 13.5%.
MVPA demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC=0.99, APE=3.7%, CV=4.9%) with a minimal mean difference between devices.

Conclusions:

Actigraph accelerometers exhibit strong interinstrument reliability for most physical activity variables during free-living conditions.
Reliability for moderate-intensity time appears reduced, suggesting potential issues when analyzed separately.
Reporting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may be preferable for enhanced interinstrument reliability in research settings.