Validity and Usability of Low-Cost Accelerometers for Internet-Based Self-Monitoring of Physical Activity in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

BackgroundThe importance of regular physical activity for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is well-established. However, many patients do not meet the recommended daily amount. Accelerometers might provide patients with the information needed to increase physical activity in daily life.ObjectiveOur objective was to assess the validity and usability of low-cost Internet-connected accelerometers. Furthermore we explored patients’ preferences with regards to the presentation of and feedback on monitored physical activity.MethodsTo assess concurrent validity we conducted a field validation study with patients who wore two low-cost accelerometers, Fitbit and Physical Activity Monitor (PAM), at the same time along with a sophisticated multisensor accelerometer (SenseWear Armband) for 48 hours. Data on energy expenditure assessed from registrations from the two low-cost accelerometers were compared to the well validated SenseWear Armband which served as a reference criterion. Usability was examined in a cross-over study with patients who, in succession, wore the Fitbit and the PAM for 7 consecutive days and filled out a 16 item questionnaire with regards to the use of the corresponding deviceResultsThe agreement between energy expenditure (METs) from the SenseWear Armband with METs estimated by the Fitbit and PAM was good (r=.77) and moderate (r=.41), respectively. The regression model that was developed for the Fitbit explained 92% whereas the PAM-model could explain 89% of total variance in METs measured by the SenseWear. With regards to the usability, both the Fitbit and PAM were well rated on all items. There were no significant differences between the two devices.ConclusionsThe low-cost Fitbit and PAM are valid and usable devices to measure physical activity in patients with COPD. These devices may be useful in long-term interventions aiming at increasing physical activity levels in these patients.

Sleep quality, but not quantity, is associated with self-perceived minor error rates among emergency department nurses

“…The FitBit may not be considered equivalent to the hi-fidelity actigraphy devices available in 2015. However, they are of sufficient and similar quality to the devices available only a decade ago and provide a low cost alternative to examine sleep and nursing behavior (Lyons et al, 2014;Perez-Macias et al, 2014;Vooijs et al, 2014).…”

Validity and usability of physical activity monitoring in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

“…Compared with healthy controls, patients with COPD have significantly reduced duration, intensity and step counts (number of movements per day) of physical activity [4][5][6]. The daily activity decreases from COPD degree I to COPD IV [7]. On average, the COPD patients achieve a final daily step count of 5584 ± 3360 [steps/d] [4].…”

Validation of a Self‐Monitoring Tool for Use in Exercise Therapy

“…This is only possible if the self-monitoring device provides accurate information for its clinical purposes. In the past two years, Fitbit-like devices’ validity, reliability, and feasibility of the activity monitoring function have been published, and mostly have been found to be accurate [1–8]. However, only a few studies report these devices’ accuracy in measuring heart rate [9–12] and sleep [13–16].…”

“…In this report, we delimit the scope of our investigation to the Fitbit Charge HR’s agreement with electrocardiogram (EKG) in measuring heart rate in healthy, non-concussed individuals during the BCTT [20]. In consideration of recent studies outlining the accuracy of Fitbit devices in activity monitoring function [4,5,7,8,13], we hypothesize the Fitbit Charge HR will have good agreement with EKG in measuring heart rate during exercise. We report on the validity of Fitbit Charge HR device through intra-class correlation, Bland-Altman limits of agreement, and percent error.…”