The sensitivity and specificity of an activity monitor in detecting functional activities in young people with cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA) monitor in detecting functional activities in young people with cerebral palsy (CP).


METHODS
Validation study.


METHODS
Two identical data collections completed 1 week apart at a gait laboratory.


METHODS
Twenty-five young people with CP and 30 able-bodied (AB) peers (age 8-25 y; mean age CP 14.1 y, Gross Motor Function Classification System Level I-III; mean age AB, 14.2 y).


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Each participant completed 5 functional activities (sitting, lying, standing, walking, and stairs), with the monitor attached. The sensitivity and specificity of the monitor in detecting each activity was calculated by comparison to a written timed report.


RESULTS
Sitting, lying, and standing were detected with median 100% sensitivity in both participant groups and across both testing sessions. Accuracy of walking detection was reduced compared with static activities (P<.05) across the 2 sessions and groups. The CP group had a significantly higher number of participants where the activity was not detected with 100% sensitivity (lie: 18% CP, 5% AB, P<.04; stand: 12% CP, 0% AB, P<.02; walk: 96% CP, 81% AB, P<.03). Stair climbing was detected in only half of the 12 participants with CP who could achieve the task. The IDEEA demonstrated high specificity (range, 97%-100%) for both participant groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The IDEEA activity monitor had high levels of sensitivity and specificity in determining everyday static activities in participants with CP, with greater difficulties in detecting dynamic activities of walking and stair climbing.
Mackey
Anna H
AH
Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. a.mackey@auckland.ac.nz
Hewart
Penelope
P
Walt
Sharon E
SE
Stott
N Susan
NS
D000054:Acceleration; D000293:Adolescent; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009520:New Zealand; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D055815:Young Adult