Upper-limb activity in adults: Referent values using accelerometry

Abstract

The goal of physical rehabilitation following upper extremity (UE) impairment is functional restoration of the UE for use in daily activities. Because capacity for UE function may not translate into real-world activity, it is important that assessment of real-world UE activity be used in conjunction with clinical measures of capacity. Accelerometry can be used to quantify duration of UE activity outside of the clinic. The purpose of this study was to characterize hours of UE activity and potential modifying factors of UE activity (sedentary activity, cognitive impairment, depressive symptomatology, additive effects of comorbidities, cohabitation status, and age). Seventy-four community dwelling adults wore accelerometers on bilateral wrists for 25 hours and provided information on modifying factors. Mean hours of dominant UE activity was 9.1 ± 1.9 hours and the ratio of activity between the non-dominant and dominant UEs was 0.95 ± 0.06. Decreased hours of dominant UE activity was associated with increased time spent in sedentary activity. No other factors were associated with hours of dominant UE activity. These data can be used to help clinicians establish outcome goals for patients, given pre-impairment level of sedentary activity, and to track progress during rehabilitation of the UEs.

Real-world affected upper limb activity in chronic stroke: an examination of potential modifying factors

“…Vector magnitude values were then dichotomized into two categories using a filter threshold. 17,27 Seconds when the vector magnitude was ≥2 were defined as “activity,” and seconds when the vector magnitude was <2 were defined as “no activity.” Seconds of activity were summed to determine hours of affected and unaffected UL activity. The activity ratio was calculated by dividing hours of affected UL activity by hours of unaffected UL activity.…”

“…The activity ratio was calculated by dividing hours of affected UL activity by hours of unaffected UL activity. 17,27 …”

“…Importantly, the activity ratio is stable (mean ± SD = 0.95 ± 0.06) and independent of hours of UL activity in nondisabled adults (r = 0.08). 17 …”

“…We recently examined the relationship between these potential modifying factors and UL activity in nondisabled adults, and demonstrated that only the amount of time spent in sedentary activity was associated with activity of both ULs. 17 It is important to know if similar relationships exist in adults with chronic stroke.…”

Examining the Feasibility, Tolerability, and Preliminary Efficacy of Repetitive Task-Specific Practice for People With Unilateral Spatial Neglect

“…Therefore, a more objective measure may be more appropriate. For example, accelerometers may provide a more accurate measure of upper-extremity activity and use, although they have some limitations (e.g., use compliance; Bailey & Lang, 2013).…”