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Predicting physical activity energy expenditure in wheelchair users with a multisensor device
T E Nightingale1, J P Walhin1, D Thompson1
1Department for Health , Centre for DisAbility Sport and Health (DASH), University of Bath , Bath , UK.
BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine
|December 1, 2016
Summary
Individual heart rate calibration significantly improves the accuracy of predicting physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) in manual wheelchair users. This method enhances energy expenditure estimation using multisensor devices, crucial for this population.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Biomedical Instrumentation
Background:
- Accurate assessment of physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) is vital for manual wheelchair users (MWUs).
- Multisensor devices offer a promising approach for monitoring PAEE, but their accuracy can be influenced by individual physiological variations.
- Existing group calibration methods may not adequately account for inter-individual differences in cardiovascular response among MWUs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prediction error of PAEE using a multisensor device (Actiheart) in MWUs.
- To investigate the effectiveness of an individual heart rate calibration (IC) method compared to group calibration (GC) for PAEE prediction.
- To determine the optimal calibration strategy for accurate PAEE estimation in this population.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen MWUs performed ten standardized activities on a motorized treadmill.
- Criterion PAEE was measured using indirect calorimetry; estimations were made using an Actiheart device with both GC and IC methods.
- An incremental arm crank ergometry test was conducted for retrospective individual calibration of the Actiheart.
Main Results:
- Both GC and IC methods showed significant correlation with criterion PAEE (r=0.76 for GC, r=0.95 for IC).
- The IC method demonstrated substantially lower mean absolute errors (16.8±15.8%) compared to GC (51.4±38.9%).
- Bland-Altman analysis revealed improved agreement and reduced bias with the IC method (-0.22±0.96 kcal/min) versus GC (0.51±3.75 kcal/min).
Conclusions:
- A combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor device can accurately estimate PAEE in MWUs when using an IC method.
- Significant inter-individual variability in cardiovascular function necessitates personalized calibration for reliable PAEE prediction.
- The study advocates for the use of IC with the Actiheart device for precise PAEE estimation in manual wheelchair users.
