VALIDATING A SINGLE 3D ACCELEROMETER TO MONITOR UPPER-EXTREMITY ACTIVITY DURING DAILY LIFE

SummaryA single 3D accelerometer is accurate in measuring upper-extremity activity durations, rest periods and intensities, suggesting its feasibility for daily life measurements with patients. Further enhancements are feasible to reduce residual false classifications of intensity from certain activities.IntroductionPhysical activity is an important outcome measure in orthopaedics as it reflects how surgically restored functional capacity is used in daily life. Accelerometer-based activity monitors (AM) are objective, reliable and valid to determine lower extremity activity in orthopaedic patients. However the suitability of a single AM to monitor upper-extremity activity, in terms of quantity and intensity, has not been investigated. This study investigates the suitability and validity of a single AM to measure quantity and intensity of upper-extremity activity.MethodFive healthy young subjects (25 ± 3 yrs) were included. Subjects underwent a standardised protocol consisting of walking, combing hair, cle...