title: Effects of BMI and abdominal volume on the accuracy of step count obtained from a tri-axial accelerometer.
abstract: Accelerometers are widely accepted as practical wearable devices capable of measuring and assessing physical activity. These devices may, however, be subject to errors which could impact on their ability to acquire an accurate step count. A limited number of studies have examined the effects of body mass index (BMI) on the accuracy of accelerometers functioning as step counters. It has been suggested that BMI may not be the best indicator of adiposity. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of BMI and abdominal volume on the accuracy of a step count obtained from a tri-axial accelerometer. Accelerometers were placed directly onto the skin at the chest, waist and lower back of 12 participants. Participants then walked on a motorized treadmill at 0.89 m/s and 1.34 m/s. Analysis of the results indicated that BMI and abdominal volume did not affect the accuracy of the step count obtained from accelerometers under any conditions. Walking speed, however, had a significant effect with step count accuracy decreasing at the slower speed.
authors.affiliation: Computer Science Research Institute and School of Computing and Mathematics University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland BT37 0QB. clelandi2@email.ulster.ac.uk
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Cleland
authors.forename: Chris D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Nugent
authors.forename: Dewar D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Finlay
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bougourd
authors.forename: Katy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Armitage
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016138:Walking