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Evaluation of energy expenditure in children with cerebral palsy using a multi-sensor accelerometer
R Aviram1, M Belokopytov, S Ben-Chaim
1Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel.
Insights
The Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA) may overestimate energy expenditure in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, its high reliability suggests potential for clinical follow-up and treatment efficacy evaluation in CP patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Movement Science
Background:
- Accurate assessment of energy expenditure is crucial for managing children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- Multisensor accelerometers offer a promising non-invasive method for activity monitoring.
- Existing devices require validation for specific pediatric populations like those with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA) for measuring energy expenditure in children with CP.
- To compare IDEEA measurements against a portable metabolic cart during various activities.
- To assess the suitability of IDEEA for monitoring children with CP and typically developing children.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one children with CP and 7 typically developing children (ages 4-10 years) participated.
- Participants performed simulated daily activities, treadmill walking, and stair climbing.
- Energy expenditure was measured simultaneously using the IDEEA and a portable metabolic cart.
Main Results:
- The IDEEA generally overestimated energy expenditure during daily activities and comfortable walking.
- High positive correlations (0.70-0.97) were observed between IDEEA and metabolic cart measurements.
- Excellent test-retest reliability (0.998) was found for IDEEA measurements in children with CP during treadmill walking.
Conclusions:
- The IDEEA, with current equations, is not ideal for precise energy expenditure evaluation in children with CP or young children.
- Its high reliability and good correlation with standard methods suggest potential as a clinical tool for monitoring CP treatment efficacy.
- Developing population-specific conversion equations is recommended to enhance IDEEA's accuracy for children with CP.
Aim:
The aim of this paper was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a multisensor accelerometer, the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA, MiniSun, CA), for measuring energy expenditure in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty-one children with CP, age range 4-10 years, with varying degrees of impairment, were recruited for the study. In addition, 7 children with normal development, age range 5.67-8.5 years, were also tested.
Methods:
Children were connected to a portable metabolic cart (Cosmed, Rome, Italy) and to the IDEEA by five sensors. Children were asked to perform a series of activities simulating everyday activity, walk on a treadmill for 4 min and climb a staircase for 4 min. During all activities oxygen consumption values were measured and converted to energy units. Energy expenditure as measured by the IDEEA was also recorded.
Results:
During the simulation of daily activities and during walking at a comfortable speed the IDEEA significantly overestimated the energy expenditure. However significant and relatively high positive correlations (0.70-0.97) were found between the two instruments. Inconsistent results were obtained during walking at increased speed. During a step test similar means were found by the two instruments for children with normal development and children with CP with good correlations between the values measured by the two instruments. Energy expenditure measurement in children with CP were found to be very reliable, with a correlation of 0.998 for repeated measurements during treadmill walking.
Conclusion:
It seems IDEEA, with its present conversion equations, is not suitable for exact evaluation of energy expenditure in children with CP or in young children with normal development. However, in light of the good correlation with the standard method of evaluating energy expenditure and the high test-retest reliability of the IDEEA's measurements, It is suggested that IDEEA may be a valuable tool for clinical follow-up of children with CP for quantitative evaluation of the efficacy of treatment interventions. The establishment of population specific conversion equations is expected to significantly increase the accuracy of energy expenditure evaluation by the IDEEA.
