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Accelerometer techniques for capturing human movement validated against direct observation: a scoping review
Elyse Letts1, Josephine S Jakubowski1,2, Sara King-Dowling3
1Child Health & Exercise Medicine Program, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
Physiological Measurement
|April 30, 2024
Summary
This review maps accelerometer data analysis methods for physical activity, finding machine learning and cut-point approaches are common. Wear location influences analysis and outcomes, highlighting the need for standardized validation.
Area of Science:
- Kinesiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Public Health
Background:
- Accelerometers are crucial for measuring physical activity and sedentary behavior.
- Rapid advancements in accelerometer technology and analysis methods pose challenges for researchers.
- Standardized best practices for accelerometer data processing and analysis are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of validated accelerometer data analysis methods for human movement.
- To identify techniques validated against direct observation as the criterion measure.
- To provide an overview of current practices in accelerometer data analysis.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of 14 academic and 5 grey literature databases was performed.
- Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts.
- Data extraction and validation were conducted using Microsoft Excel by an independent reviewer.
Main Results:
- The review included 115 papers from 1039 initial searches, utilizing 71 accelerometer models and 4217 participants.
- Analysis techniques comprised machine learning (22%), existing cut-points (18%), ROC curves for cut-points (14%), and other algorithms (8%).
- Direct observation for validation primarily used live observation (55%) or recordings (42%).
Conclusions:
- Machine learning methods are increasingly used for activity identification, while cut-point methods remain prevalent.
- Activity intensity is the most common outcome, but analysis and outcomes vary by accelerometer wear location.
- This review offers a comprehensive resource on accelerometer analysis and validation techniques for researchers.
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