Journal article
Accuracy of StepWatch™ and ActiGraph accelerometers for measuring steps taken among persons with multiple sclerosis
PloS one, Vol.9(4), e93511
2014
Abstract
Introduction
There has been increased interest in the objective monitoring of free-living walking behavior using accelerometers in clinical research involving persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The current investigation examined and compared the accuracy of the StepWatch activity monitor and ActiGraph model GT3X+ accelerometer for capturing steps taken during various speeds of prolonged, over-ground ambulation in persons with MS who had mild, moderate, and severe disability.
Methods
Sixty-three persons with MS underwent a neurological examination for generation of an EDSS score and undertook two trials of walking on the GAITRite electronic walkway. Participants were fitted with accelerometers, and undertook three modified six-minute walk (6MW) tests that were interspersed with 10–15 minutes of rest. The first 6MW was undertaken at a comfortable walking speed (CWS), and the two remaining 6MW tests were undertaken above (faster walking speed; FWS) or below (slower walking speed; SWS) the participant's CWS. The actual number of steps taken was counted through direct observation using hand-tally counters.
Results
The StepWatch activity monitor (99.8%–99.9%) and ActiGraph model GT3X+ accelerometer (95.6%–97.4%) both demonstrated highly accurate measurement of steps taken under CWS and FWS conditions. The StepWatch had better accuracy (99.0%) than the ActiGraph (95.5%) in the overall sample under the SWS condition, and this was particularly apparent in those with severe disability (StepWatch: 95.7%; ActiGraph: 87.3%). The inaccuracy in measurement for the ActiGraph was associated with alterations of gait (e.g., slower gait velocity, shorter step length, wider base of support).
Conclusions
This research will help inform the choice of accelerometer to be adopted in clinical trials of MS wherein the monitoring of free-living walking behavior is of particular value.
Details
- Title
- Accuracy of StepWatch™ and ActiGraph accelerometers for measuring steps taken among persons with multiple sclerosis
- Authors/Creators
- B.M. Sandroff (Author/Creator) - University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignR.W. Motl (Author/Creator) - University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignL.A. Pilutti (Author/Creator) - University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignY.C. Learmonth (Author/Creator) - University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignI. Ensari (Author/Creator) - University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignD. Dlugonski (Author/Creator) - University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignR.E. Klaren (Author/Creator) - University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignS. Balantrapu (Author/Creator) - University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignB.J. Riskin (Author/Creator) - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Publication Details
- PloS one, Vol.9(4), e93511
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science
- Identifiers
- 991005540062807891
- Copyright
- © 2014 Sandroff et al.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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Source: InCites
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- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.203 Neuromuscular Disorders
- 1.203.147 Multiple Sclerosis
- Web Of Science research areas
- Clinical Neurology
- ESI research areas
- Multidisciplinary