RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Criterion Validity of the <em>activ</em>PAL Activity Monitor for Sedentary and Physical Activity Patterns in People Who Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
JF Physical Therapy
JO Phys Ther
FD American Physical Therapy Association
SP 1093
OP 1101
DO 10.2522/ptj.20150281
VO 96
IS 7
A1 Larkin, Louise
A1 Nordgren, Birgitta
A1 Purtill, Helen
A1 Brand, Charles
A1 Fraser, Alexander
A1 Kennedy, Norelee
YR 2016
UL http://jcore-reference.highwire.org/content/96/7/1093.abstract
AB Background Accurate measurement of physical activity and sedentary behavior is an important consideration for health care professionals. The activPAL activity monitor has not been validated against a criterion measure for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Objective The objective of this study was to determine the criterion validity of the activPAL activity monitor for measuring step counts, transition counts, and time spent in sedentary, standing, and walking behaviors in people with RA.Design A laboratory-based criterion validation study was conducted.Methods Participants with a confirmed medical diagnosis of RA were recruited from 2 outpatient rheumatology clinics. The testing procedure consisted of standardized testing components and tasks related to activities of daily living. Participants wore an activPAL activity monitor and were video recorded throughout the testing procedure. Direct observation was used as the criterion measure. Data analysis consisted of validation analysis of the activPAL activity monitor data and the criterion measure data.Results Twenty-four people participated in the study. Data from 20 participants were included in the final analysis. The activPAL significantly underestimated step counts by 26% and transition counts by 36%. There was no significant difference between the activPAL activity monitor and the criterion measure for time spent in sedentary, standing or light activity, and walking behaviors.Limitations Validation of activities of daily living in a laboratory environment is a limitation of this study.Conclusions The activPAL activity monitor underestimated step and transition counts and, therefore, is not valid for measuring these outcomes in people with RA. Relative to direct observation, the activPAL activity monitor is valid for measuring time spent in sedentary, standing, and walking behaviors in people with RA.