Validity and Reliability of Proximity Detection with Bluetooth-Enabled Accelerometers among Adults. Issue 3 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dlugonski, Deirdre; Wood, Aaron P.; DuBose, Katrina D.; Rider, Patrick; Schoemann, Alexander M.
• Is Part Of: Measurement in physical education and exercise science. Volume 23:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 272
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Shared physical activity -- measurement -- objective -- co-participation -- physical activity; Physical fitness -- Testing -- Periodicals; Physical education and training -- Statistical methods -- Periodicals; Physical education and training -- Research -- Periodicals; 613.7
• DOI: 10.1080/1091367X.2019.1615925
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1091-367X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: This study examined the concurrent validity and inter-pair reliability of the proximity detection function on Bluetooth-enabled accelerometers across manufacturer-specified ranges. If valid, this method could be used for objectively measuring shared physical activity participation. Method: Thirty-six dyads aged 21.6 (2.1) years wore two sets of Bluetooth-enabled accelerometers initialized as beacons and receivers to compare accelerometer-measured proximity detection to direct observation under 11 different controlled and free-living conditions. Results: The proportion of minutes in which proximity was detected differed across conditions ( p < .001), with the highest proportions in the controlled conditions (.77–1.0). Among the free-living conditions, the different room (.73 ± .20) condition had the highest proximity detection proportions. There were no differences in the proximity detection across accelerometer pairs ( p = .265). Conclusion: Proximity detection with Bluetooth-enabled accelerometers was reliable and had the highest detection rates under the controlled treadmill walking conditions. Despite limitations, using Bluetooth-enabled accelerometers is a promising approach for measuring shared physical activity.