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Updated: May 7, 2026
A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers
Published on: April 21, 2017
Adherence to accelerometry measurement of community ambulation poststroke
Sharon Barak1, Samuel S Wu, Yunfeng Dai
1S. Barak, PhD, Pediatric Rehabilitation Department, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Pediatric Rehabilitation Department, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel, and Physical Education Department, Kaye Academic College of Education, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Adherence to the step activity monitor (SAM) in stroke survivors varied, with older age and better walking endurance predicting higher adherence. Strategies are needed to improve SAM use, especially for longer durations and specific patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation science
- Biomedical engineering
- Clinical research
Background:
- The step activity monitor (SAM) is crucial for quantifying patient mobility.
- Adherence to SAM use in post-stroke individuals is vital for accurate data but remains unaddressed.
- Accurate step activity data is essential for assessing recovery and guiding interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the rate of inferred adherence to the step activity monitor (SAM) in individuals post-stroke.
- To identify predictors of adherence to SAM use in a community-dwelling stroke population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involved 408 community-dwelling individuals 2 months post-stroke with gait impairment (gait speed ≤0.8 m/s).
- Step activity was monitored for two days using the SAM, with adherence defined by activity across three daily periods.
- Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between adherers and non-adherers, with logistic regression identifying predictors.
Main Results:
- Inferred adherence rates were 68% (day 1), 61% (day 2), 53% (both days), and 76% (either day).
- Significant differences existed in extremity impairment, balance control, and endurance between adherers and non-adherers.
- Older age, greater balance self-efficacy, and better walking endurance predicted higher adherence.
Conclusions:
- Findings from this subacute stroke sample may not generalize to acute or chronic phases.
- Interventions to enhance adherence are necessary for multi-day SAM data collection, particularly in younger individuals or those with low balance self-efficacy and walking endurance.
