Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
07:24
A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers
Published on: April 21, 2017
13.1K
Assessing pre- and postoperative activity levels with an accelerometer: a proof of concept study
Eva van der Meij1,2, Hidde P van der Ploeg3, Baukje van den Heuvel4
1Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, van der Boechorsstraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ev.vandermeij@vumc.nl.
BMC Surgery
|May 13, 2017
Summary
Accelerometers can objectively measure postoperative recovery of physical activity after abdominal surgery. This study found accelerometers to be a feasible and well-tolerated method for tracking patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Technology
- Surgical Recovery
- Physical Activity Monitoring
Background:
- Postoperative recovery assessment traditionally relies on subjective patient reports.
- Objective measurement of physical activity recovery after abdominal surgery is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using accelerometers to measure postoperative recovery of daily physical activity levels.
- To compare accelerometer data with patient self-reported recovery.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involved 30 patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery.
- Patients wore accelerometers for one week pre-surgery and weeks 1, 3, and 5 post-surgery.
- Activity diaries were used for patient self-reported recovery data.
Main Results:
- Accelerometers objectively tracked recovery curves for step counts and physical activity intensity (MVPA).
- Minor surgery patients regained baseline activity by 3 weeks; intermediate surgery patients did not by 5 weeks.
- Accelerometer data showed fair agreement with self-reported recovery (Cohen's Kappa: 0.273-0.391).
Conclusions:
- Accelerometers offer a feasible and well-tolerated method for measuring postoperative physical activity recovery.
- Objective data complements subjective recovery reports, aiding in patient management.
