Comparing Two Physical Activity Monitors
Author Information
Author(s): Paul David R, Kramer Matthew, Moshfegh Alanna J, Baer David J, Rumpler William V
Primary Institution: Diet and Human Performance Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture
Hypothesis
Do different brands of physical activity monitors produce comparable results?
Conclusion
The two activity monitors predict physical activity on the same scale, but their results are not directly comparable without a conversion equation.
Supporting Evidence
- The AGR detected a significantly greater amount of daily physical activity compared to the Actical.
- The average difference between activity monitors was reduced when a conversion equation was applied.
- The study involved 56 participants wearing both monitors for 15 days.
Takeaway
This study looked at two different devices that measure how much people move. They found that one device usually shows more movement than the other, but you can make them match if you do some math.
Methodology
Participants wore two different activity monitors for 15 days, and their data were analyzed using statistical tests.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to differences in how the monitors record physical activity.
Limitations
Minute-by-minute data conversion between brands was not possible due to clock drift.
Participant Demographics
28 women and 28 men, aged 30 to 60 years, with a BMI of 26.3 ± 4.2 for women and 27.9 ± 4.9 for men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website