Activity monitor accuracy in persons using canes

This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows: Wendland DM, Sprigle SH. Activity monitor accuracy in persons using canes. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(8):1261–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2011.08.0141

Slideshow ProjectDOI:10.1682/JRRD.2011.08.0141JSP

Activity monitor accuracy in persons using canes

Deborah Michael Wendland, PT, DPT, CPed; Stephen H. Sprigle, PhD, PT



• Aim – Report accuracy of leg-mounted and cane-mounted

StepWatch devices on people ambulating over different surfaces while using a cane.

• Relevance– Physical activity is important for health and

associated with decreased all-cause mortality.– Assistive device use has increased to facilitate

increased independence with activities of daily living.



Method

• 16 subjects (67 to 85 yr old) who regularly use a cane for ambulation participated.

• StepWatch calibration was performed by adjusting sensitivity and cadence.

• Following calibration optimization, accuracy was tested on:– Leg-mounted vs cane-mounted devices.– Different surfaces, including linoleum, sidewalk,

grass, ramp, and stairs.



Results

• Accuracy:– Leg-mounted:

93.4% all surfaces.– Cane-mounted:

84.7% all surfaces. – Significantly less

accurate on stairs.Gray bars = leg-mounted.

Black bars = cane-mounted.



Conclusion

• When monitoring community mobility, placement of StepWatch on a person and his or her ambulation aid can accurately document both activity and device use.

Documents

Activity monitor accuracy in persons using canes