Wearable devices for tracking physical activity in the community after an acquired brain injury: A systematic review

The application of wearable devices in individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) resulting from stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) for monitoring physical activity (PA) has been relatively recent. The current systematic review aims to provide insights into the adaption of these devices, the outcome metrics, and their transition from the laboratory to the community for PA monitoring of individuals with ABI.

The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were systematically reviewed using appropriate search terms. A total of 20 articles were reviewed from the last 15 years.

Articles were classified into three categories: PA measurement studies, PA classification studies, and validation studies. The quality of studies was assessed using a quality appraisal checklist.

It was found that the transition of wearable devices from in-lab to community-based studies in individuals with stroke has started but is not widespread. The transition of wearable devices in the community has not yet started for individuals with TBI. Accelerometer-based devices were more frequently chosen than pedometers and inertial measurement units. No consensus on a preferred wearable device (make or model) or wear location could be identified, although step count was the most common outcome metric. The accuracy and validity of most outcome metrics used in the community were not reported for many studies.

To facilitate future studies using wearable devices for PA measurement in the community, we recommend that researchers provide details on the accuracy and validity of the outcome metrics specific to the study environment. Once the accuracy and validity are established for a specific population, wearable devices and their derived outcomes can provide objective information on mobility impairment as well as the effect of rehabilitation in the community.