Can an accelerometer-based monitor be used to accurately assess physical activity in a population of survivors of critical illness?

Glob J Health Sci. 2012 Apr 28;4(3):98-107. doi: 10.5539/gjhs.v4n3p98.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the validity and reliability of the Activity Monitoring Pod (AMP331) to record gait parameters in healthy young adults (YA) and intensive care unit inpatients (ICU).

Methods: Fifteen YA completed a series of over-ground walks. Another 15 YA completed a series of treadmill walks. The ICU group (N=20) completed a series of over-ground walks with repeat trials. Gait parameters were recorded simultaneously for each walk.

Results: For the YA over-ground condition, no significant differences were found between the measures recorded by the systems. For the YA treadmill condition, 43% of the measures differed (P < .05). For the ICU group, the AMP331 underestimated distance and speed by 3m and 25cm/s respectively. Reliability measures for distance (ICC 0.99, 95%CI 0.98 - 0.99) and step count (ICC 0.99, 95%CI 0.99 - 1.00) were excellent.

Conclusions: The AMP 331 is a valid instrument for recording basic gait parameters for over-ground walking in healthy YA and ICU survivors.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actigraphy / instrumentation*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Critical Illness* / rehabilitation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inpatients*
  • Male
  • Motor Activity*
  • Survivors*
  • Young Adult