The assessment of physical activity is of great interest to the public and to researchers. One of the most popular and objective methods of assessing physical activity is using motion sensors such as pedometers and accelerometers. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy and reliability of step counting and energy expenditure estimation of two popular electronic pedometers and one accelerometer during running. In all step-counting trials, actual step counts were determined using a hand tally counter. Twenty subjects (18-40 years) were asked to volunteer to participate in the study. During the initial assessment subjects ran at five, six, seven, and eight miles per hour on a motor driven treadmill for ten minutes at each speed. While running they wore two pedometers and an accelerometer while oxygen consumption was measured. In the second assessment, all subjects ran a timed, self-paced mile around a 200-meter track while wearing all three activity monitors. In the third assessment, thirteen subjects ran at five, six, seven and eight miles per hour on a motor driven treadmill for three minutes at each speed to assess the step counting reliability of the devices. The three devices were accurate to within 1% at all speeds on the treadmill and on the self-paced track run. In addition, all three devices were reliable (r = 0.80). Caloric expenditure estimation accuracy the NL-2000 was ± 21% when expressed in both net and gross kcals. The Digi-walker was f 22% when assumed to be net kcals and ± 45% when assumed to be gross kcals. The Actigraph was accurate to ± 49% in terms of net calories. The results of the current study have shown that these devices are accurate and reliable for step counting at speeds between five and eight mph. However, their ability to assess caloric expenditure is not accurate at the same speeds. In conclusion, the application of these devices to runners is limited to highly accurate and reliable step counters. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/188153 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Newell, George K. |
| Contributors | Schneider, Patrick L. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | viii, 56 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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