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Objective Assessment of Strength Training Exercises using a Wrist-Worn Accelerometer
Scott A Conger1, Jun Guo, Scott M Fulkerson
11Department of Kinesiology, Boise State University, Boise, ID; 2Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID; 3Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|April 8, 2016
Summary
This study shows that a wrist-worn activity monitor can accurately classify resistance training (RT) exercises. This technology can help track muscle-strengthening activities, complementing aerobic activity monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Physical Activity Guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening exercises 2 d·wk for adults.
- Objective monitoring of physical activity often overlooks resistance training (RT).
- A method for assessing RT using wrist-worn monitors is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a wrist-worn, triaxial accelerometer-based activity monitor for classifying upper- and lower-body dumbbell RT exercises.
Main Methods:
- Sixty participants performed 12 dumbbell exercises.
- Classified exercises using support vector machine and cosine similarity algorithms.
- Assessed accuracy and repetition estimation using statistical analyses.
Main Results:
- Cosine similarity achieved 85% accuracy, support vector machine 78%.
- Both methods differentiated most exercises but struggled with similar movements (e.g., bench vs. shoulder press).
- Repetition estimates were largely accurate, with minor differences (<10%) for some exercises.
Conclusions:
- Wrist-worn activity monitors can accurately classify RT exercises.
- This technology offers a potential solution for monitoring muscle-strengthening activities.
