Impact of walking aids on estimating physical activity using a tri axial accelerometer in frail older adults
Objectives This study aimed to compare the estimation error of physical activity level (PAL) estimated using a tri axial accelerometer between an independent walking group and an assisted walking group with walking aids. Methods Subjects were 6 older adults who could walk independently and 10 older adults requiring walking assistance during gait. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured using the doubly labelled water (DLW) method over 2 weeks and PAL was calculated as the measured TEE divided by the basal metabolic rate measured using indirect calorimetry (PALDLW) The participants wore a tri axial accelerometer (Active style Pro HJA 750C) on the waist simultaneously as the DLW period, and the estimated PAL was derived from it (PALACC) Results The median PAL estimation error in the assisted walking group was 0.30 kcal/day (range: 0.77 to 0.01 kcal/day) and more underestimated than that in the independent walking group (p=0.02) The estimation error of PALACC was significantly correlated with PALDLW (r= 0.80, p<0.01) Conclusions Using the accelerometer, PAL was underestimated for older adults who used walking aids but not for those who walked independently under free living conditions.
BMJ Open Sport Exercise Medicine