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A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers
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Real-life step and activity measurement: reliability and validity.

M E Busse1, R W van Deursen, C M Wiles

  • 1Research Centre for Clinical Kinaesiology, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Healthcare Studies, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF, UK. busseme@cardiff.ac.uk

Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology
|January 1, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Activity monitors offer accurate and reliable data for assessing physical activity on walking circuits. However, different monitors should not be used interchangeably due to potential systematic measurement differences.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Sports Science
  • Physical Activity Measurement

Background:

  • Accurate measurement of physical activity is crucial for health research and interventions.
  • Various methods exist, including manual counting, self-report, and wearable activity monitors.
  • Understanding the reliability and validity of these methods is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the reliability and validity of manual counting, self-report, and two commercial activity monitors (Step Watch monitor - SAM, and ActivPAL).
  • To compare the performance of these activity monitoring methods in healthy subjects.

Main Methods:

  • A reliability, accuracy, and validity study was conducted on healthy subjects.
  • Manual step count reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).
  • Correlations and paired t-tests were used to compare data from SAM, ActivPAL, and self-report.

Main Results:

  • Manual step count showed excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC 0.99) but poor inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.26).
  • The SAM monitor demonstrated high accuracy (96.06% indoor, 99.58% outdoor) and moderate correlations with self-report (rho = 0.423-0.595).
  • SAM and ActivPAL were internally reliable and correlated (r = 0.93) but showed significant differences when used simultaneously.

Conclusions:

  • Activity monitors provide accurate and reliable data for functional walking circuits.
  • Systematic differences exist between activity monitors, precluding their interchangeable use.
  • Careful selection and consideration of monitor-specific data are necessary for valid physical activity assessment.