Optimal Sensor Placement for Measuring Physical Activity with a 3D Accelerometer

Abstract

Accelerometer-based activity monitors are popular for monitoring physical activity. In this study, we investigated optimal sensor placement for increasing the quality of studies that utilize accelerometer data to assess physical activity. We performed a two-staged study, focused on sensor location and type of mounting. Ten subjects walked at various walking speeds on a treadmill, performed a deskwork protocol, and walked on level ground, while simultaneously wearing five ProMove2 sensors with a snug fit on an elastic waist belt. We found that sensor location, type of activity, and their interaction-effect affected sensor output. The most lateral positions on the waist belt were the least sensitive for interference. The effect of mounting was explored, by making two subjects repeat the experimental protocol with sensors more loosely fitted to the elastic belt. The loose fit resulted in lower sensor output, except for the deskwork protocol, where output was higher. In order to increase the reliability and to reduce the variability of sensor output, researchers should place activity sensors on the most lateral position of a participant's waist belt. If the sensor hampers free movement, it may be positioned slightly more forward on the belt. Finally, sensors should be fitted tightly to the body.

Smart approaches for assessing free‐living energy expenditure following identification of types of physical activity

“…Nevertheless, even when located at the waist level, differences in position, e.g. lower back versus hip, may still have an impact on the recorded accelerations . Therefore, standardization of the wearing location is highly important, and care should be taken to attach the sensor as tight as possible to the body .…”

“…lower back versus hip, may still have an impact on the recorded accelerations . Therefore, standardization of the wearing location is highly important, and care should be taken to attach the sensor as tight as possible to the body . When an accelerometer is positioned somewhere closer to the extremities, such as the wrist, only a small mass is being moved, and hence the relation between recorded accelerations and EE will be different .…”

Activity Recognition Based on Smartphone and Dual-Tree Complex Wavelet Transform

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“…Exercise breathing patterns are simulated by a metronome and together with the IC manoeuvres MPT claims to be a practical alternative to CPET with respect to the induction and detection in DH (Gelb et al, 2004;Hannink et al, 2010b;van den Akker et al, 2015). Regarding the quantification of PA, the use of a triaxial accelerometer has proven to be a valid and reliable tool when positioned properly (Bouten et al, 1997;Steele, 2000;Pitta et al, 2005a,b;Boerema et al, 2014).…”