Carrying loads: Validating a portable tri-axial accelerometer during frequent and brief physical activity. Issue 8 (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zorrilla-Revilla, G.; Mateos, A.; Prado-Nóvoa, O.; Vidal-Cordasco, M.; Rodríguez, J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of science and medicine in sport. Volume 20:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: 771
• Page End: 776
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Energy expenditure -- SenseWear Armband™ mini -- Accelerometry -- Physical activity -- Indirect calorimetry -- Resting metabolic rate; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- physiology -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; Sportgeneeskunde; 617.102705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.01.236
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-2440

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity of the SenseWear Armband™ (SWA, Model MF-SW, BodyMedia Inc.) as a tool to assess daily brief, light- to moderate-intensity activities. Design: A total of 41 volunteers were recruited (27 males, 14 females) to perform several trials, including a resting metabolic rate test and a number of walking trials while carrying different loads in a backpack. Methods: Energy expenditure during trials was measured using both the SWA™ mini device, with the indirect calorimetry method (MasterScreen CPX and Oxycon Mobile JAEGER™ devices) used for validated comparative measurement. Results: The SWA™ mini shows agreement with indirect calorimetry in all trials. However, the SWA™ mini over-estimated expenditure in all participants. Individual assessment estimates with the SWA™ mini also exhibited random errors. The variations in energy expenditure (EE) resulting from increased carried loads during the trials were not statistically significant when EE was measured with the SWA™ mini. Furthermore, Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) calculation, highly dependent on estimated energy expenditure per unit time, also was likely overestimated. In contrast, the SWA™ mini provided estimates of the resting metabolic rate with a small error. Conclusions: The SWA™ mini is not a valid device for estimating energy expenditure in brief light- or moderate activities.