Article

PURPOSE: Reduced physical activity is associated with poor prognosis in chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Accelerometers have greatly improved
quantification of physical activity by providing information on step counts, body
positions, energy expenditure, and magnitude of force. The purpose of this
systematic review was to compare the validity and reliability of accelerometers
used in patients with COPD. METHODS: An electronic database search of MEDLINE and
CINAHL was performed. Study quality was assessed with the Strengthening the
Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist while methodological
quality was assessed using the modified Quality Appraisal Tool for Reliability
Studies. RESULTS: The search yielded 5392 studies; 25 met inclusion criteria. The
SenseWear Pro armband reported high criterion validity under controlled
conditions (r = 0.75-0.93) and high reliability (ICC = 0.84-0.86) for step
counts. The DynaPort MiniMod demonstrated highest concurrent validity for step
count using both video and manual methods. DISCUSSION: Validity of the SenseWear
Pro armband varied between studies especially in free-living conditions, slower
walking speeds, and with addition of weights during gait. A high degree of
variability was found in the outcomes used and statistical analyses performed
between studies, indicating a need for further studies to measure reliability and
validity of accelerometers in COPD. CONCLUSION: The SenseWear Pro armband is the
most commonly used accelerometer in COPD, but measurement properties are limited
by gait speed variability and assistive device use. DynaPort MiniMod and
Stepwatch accelerometers demonstrated high validity in patients with COPD but
lack reliability data.

Langue : ANGLAIS