Identifying Optimal Wearable Devices for Monitoring Mobility in Hospitalized Older Adults: Feasibility,...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Mobility Research

Background:

• Hospitalized, frail older adults are at high risk for hospital-acquired disability due to immobility.
• Wearable activity tracking devices offer a potential solution for identifying and preventing mobility decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal wearable device and wear location for monitoring mobility in hospitalized older patients.
• To compare the feasibility and acceptability of four wearable devices (ActiGraph, MOX1, MetaMotionC, Fitbit Versa).
• To validate the selected device's accuracy in detecting body posture and step count.

Main Methods:

• Observational study in an academic hospital involving patients aged 60+ with anticipated stays over 4 days.
• Experiment 1: Evaluated feasibility and validated data from four wearable devices.
• Experiment 2: Assessed mobility and conducted 24-hour monitoring with the selected device.

Main Results:

• The ActiGraph wGT3X-BT was the most feasible device, showing superior usability and data management.
• Thigh-worn ActiGraph accurately detected sedentary behavior; ankle-worn ActiGraph provided detailed step counts and body posture data.
• Ankle-worn ActiGraph demonstrated excellent reliability for step counting with minimal bias.

Conclusions:

• ActiGraph devices worn on the thigh and ankle are optimal for assessing and monitoring mobility in hospitalized older adults.
• Patient willingness to wear devices was high, supporting integration into hospital settings.
• Further research is needed to explore long-term use and prediction of health outcomes.