title: A comprehensive evaluation of motion sensor step-counting error.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the effect that walking speed, gender, leg length, motion sensor tilt angle, brand, and placement have on motion sensor step-counting error. Fifty-nine participants performed treadmill walking trials at 6 speeds while wearing 5 motion sensor brands placed on the anterior (Digiwalker, DW; Walk4Life, WFL; New Lifestyles, NL; Omron, OM), midaxillary (DW; WFL; NL; ActiGraph, AG), and posterior (DW, WFL, NL) aspects of the waistline. The anterior-placed NL and midaxillary-placed AG were the most accurate motion sensors. Motion sensor step-count error tended to decrease at faster walking speeds, with lesser tilt angles, and with an anterior waistline placement. Gender and leg length had no effect on motion sensor step-count error. We conclude that the NL and AG yielded the most accurate step counts at a range of walking speeds in individuals with different physical characteristics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Kentucky, 217 Seaton Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0219, USA. mark.abel@uky.edu
authors.forename: Mark G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Abel
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Peritore
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shapiro
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Mullineaux
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Hannon
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000328:Adult; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult