Article

The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to investigate effects
of cadence and sensitivity settings for the StepWatch (SW3) on step count
accuracy over a wide range of ambulatory speeds, and 2) to compare the
preprogrammed "quick start" settings to modified settings during intermittent
lifestyle activities. METHODS: Part 1: Fifteen participants
(18-57 years of age)
performed two trials of treadmill walking and running at ten speeds ranging from
26.8 to 268mmin-1 while wearing four SW3 devices.
During the first trial, the
cadence setting was maintained while sensitivity was varied; in the second trial
sensitivity was maintained while the cadence setting was varied. Part 2: Fifteen
participants performed four intermittent activities and drove an automobile while
wearing two SW3 devices, one with preprogrammed settings and the other with the
modified settings determined in Part 1. RESULTS: Part 1: The modified settings
(cadence setting of 70% of default and sensitivity of 16) provided the greatest
step counting accuracy across a wide range of speeds reporting 96.0-104% of
actual steps between 53.6 and 268mmin-1. Part 2: The preprogrammed settings
tended to have higher accuracy for light household tasks (recording 88% to 94% of
actual steps) than the modified settings (recording 82% to 86% of actual steps)
which showed a trend towards higher accuracy for tennis (recording 93% vs. 89% of
actual steps) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The preprogrammed "quick start" StepWatch
settings should be used with individuals who do not engage in running and
vigorous sports. However, for individuals who engage in running and tennis, use
of modified settings may result in improved step counting accuracy.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS