title: Validity of Physical Activity Monitors for Estimating Energy Expenditure During Wheelchair Propulsion.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is unknown if activity monitors can detect the increased energy expenditure (EE) of wheelchair propulsion at different speeds or on different surfaces.
  
  
  METHODS
  Individuals who used manual wheelchairs (n = 14) performed 5 wheeling activities: on a level surface at 3 speeds, on a rubberized track at 1 fixed speed and on a sidewalk course at a self-selected speed. EE was measured using a portable indirect calorimetry system and estimated by an Actical (AC) worn on the wrist and a SenseWear (SW) activity monitor worn on the upper arm. Repeated- measures ANOVA was used to compare measured EE to the estimates from the standard AC prediction equation and SW using 2 different equations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated a significant main effect between measured EE and estimated EE. There were no differences between the criterion method and the AC across the 5 activities. The SW overestimated EE when wheeling at 3 speeds on a level surface, and during sidewalk wheeling. The wheelchair-specific SW equation improved the EE prediction during low intensity activities, but error progressively increased during higher intensity activities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  During manual wheelchair propulsion, the wrist-mounted AC provided valid estimates of EE, whereas the SW tended to overestimate EE.
authors: Dept of Kinesiology, Boise State University, Boise, ID.
authors: Scott A
authors: SA
authors: Conger
authors: Stacy N
authors: SN
authors: Scott
authors: Eugene C
authors: EC
authors: Fitzhugh
authors: Dixie L
authors: DL
authors: Thompson
authors: David R
authors: DR
authors: Bassett
mesh_terms: D061725:Accelerometry; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D014910:Wheelchairs; D055815:Young Adult