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Relating wrist accelerometry measures to disability in older adults
Megan J Huisingh-Scheetz1, Masha Kocherginsky2, Elizabeth Magett1
1University of Chicago, Department of Medicine, Section of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, USA.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|October 11, 2015
Summary
Wrist accelerometry effectively measures daily activity in older adults, showing significant links to difficulties with daily living activities. These objective measures offer valuable insights beyond self-reported data for assessing disability risks.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Physical Activity Research
Background:
- Assessing disability in older adults is crucial for maintaining independence.
- Traditional methods often rely on self-reported activity, which can be subjective.
- Objective measures of physical activity are needed to complement existing assessment tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between wrist accelerometer data and difficulties in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
- To determine if accelerometer measures provide additional information on disability beyond self-reported vigorous activity frequency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) accelerometry sub-study (n=738).
- Assessed routine activity (mean count/15s epoch) and immobile time (proportion of wake time) using wrist accelerometers over 3 days.
- Employed logistic regression to analyze associations between accelerometer measures, self-reported vigorous activity, and 14 ADL/IADL measures.
Main Results:
- Wrist accelerometer measures (routine activity and immobile time) were significantly associated with multiple ADL and IADL disability measures.
- Significant associations persisted between routine activity (8 disabilities) and immobile time (6 disabilities) even after controlling for self-reported activity.
- Self-reported vigorous activity was also significantly associated with 14 disability measures.
Conclusions:
- Wrist accelerometry provides objective data linked to ADL and IADL disabilities in older adults.
- These objective measures may enhance the assessment of disability risks.
- Accelerometry can aid in setting personalized physical activity targets for older populations.
