GT3X+ accelerometer, Yamax pedometer and SC-StepMX pedometer step count accuracy in community-dwelling older adults.
The purpose was to compare step count accuracy of an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+), a mechanical pedometer (Yamax SW200), and a piezoelectric pedometer (SC-StepMX). Older adults (n = 13 with walking aids, n = 22 without; M = 81.5 years old, SD = 5.0) walked 100 m wearing the devices. Device-detected steps were compared with manually counted steps. We found no significant differences among monitors for those who walked without aids (p = .063). However, individuals who used walking aids exhibited slower gait speeds (M = 0.83 m/s, SD = 0.2) than non-walking aid users (M = 1.21 m/s, SD = 0.2, p < .001), and for them the SC-StepMX demonstrated a significantly lower percentage of error (Mdn = 1.0, interquartile range [IQR] = 0.5-2.0) than the other devices (Yamax SW200, Mdn = 68.9, IQR = 35.9-89.3; left GT3X+, Mdn = 52.0, IQR = 37.1-58.9; right GT3X+, Mdn = 51.0, IQR = 32.3-66.5; p < .05). These results support using a piezoelectric pedometer for measuring steps in older adults who use walking aids and who walk slowly.
Dept. of Physical Therapy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Sandra C
SC
Webber
Sheila M
SM
Magill
Jenessa L
JL
Schafer
Kaylie C S
KC
Wilson
D061725:Accelerometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002183:Canes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D016852:Housing for the Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014853:Walkers