An Objective Methodology for the Selection of a Device for Continuous Mobility Assessment

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Research Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Wearable technology offers promising real-world mobility quantification.
• Selecting appropriate wearable devices requires evaluating validity, usability, and acceptability.
• Existing methods lack a standardized approach for device selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel methodology for selecting continuous mobility monitoring solutions.
• To develop a decision matrix incorporating multiple evaluation criteria.
• To establish a standardized, objective approach for professionals and researchers.

Main Methods:

• A bespoke methodology using a decision matrix was developed.
• A weighting system was created based on questionnaire responses (n=69) from experts.
• Four key domains (concurrent validity, human factors, wearability/usability, data capture) were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Concurrent validity was deemed most relevant (37%), followed by wearability/usability (30%).
• Human factors (17%) and data capture process (16%) were also significant considerations.
• A hidden sensor fixation on the lower back was preferred by ~90% of respondents.

Conclusions:

• The proposed decision matrix offers a holistic and standardized approach to selecting wearable mobility monitoring solutions.
• This methodology accounts for crucial complementary aspects beyond technical specifications.
• It facilitates informed decision-making for effective real-world mobility assessment.