Validation of the Vivago Wrist-Worn accelerometer in the assessment of physical activity

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Most accelerometers are worn around the waist (hip or lower back) to assess habitual physical activity. Wrist-worn accelerometers may be an alternative to the waist-worn monitors and may improve compliance in studies with prolonged w...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Vanhelst Jérémy, Hurdiel Rémy, Mikulovic Jacques, Bui-Xuân Gilles, Fardy Paul, Theunynck Denis, Béghin Laurent
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2012-08-01
Series:BMC Public Health
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Online Access:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/12/690
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Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Most accelerometers are worn around the waist (hip or lower back) to assess habitual physical activity. Wrist-worn accelerometers may be an alternative to the waist-worn monitors and may improve compliance in studies with prolonged wear. The aim of this study was to validate the Vivago® Wrist-Worn Accelerometer at various intensities of physical activity (PA) in adults.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty-one healthy adults aged 20–34 years were recruited for the study. Accelerometer data and oxygen uptake (VO<sub>2</sub>) were measured at sedentary, light, moderate and vigorous levels of PA.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Activity categories and accelerometer counts were: sedentary, 0–15 counts·min<sup>−1</sup>; light, 16–40 counts·min<sup>−1</sup>; moderate, 41–85 counts·min<sup>−1</sup>; and vigorous activity, >; 85 counts·min<sup>−1</sup>. ANOVA repeated measures was used to determine the relationship between accelerometry data output and oxygen consumption (r = .89; p <; .001). The Bland and Altman method showed good agreement in the assessment of energy expenditure between the indirect calorimetry and the data obtained by the accelerometer.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Results of the study suggest that the Vivago® wrist-worn accelerometer is a valid measure of PA at varying levels of intensity. The study has also defined threshold values at 4 intensities and hence te Vivago® accelerometer may be used to quantify PA in free living conditions among adults. This device has possible application in treating a variety of important health concerns.</p>
ISSN:1471-2458