Article

It is important for older adults to be physically active, but many
older adults walk slowly. This study examined the accuracy of a commercially
available step-count device (Fitbit One) at slow speeds and compared the accuracy
of the device when worn at the ankle and waist in older adults. METHODS: The
Fitbit One was placed at the ankle and waist of participants (n=42; mean age 73
years) while they performed walking trials at 7 different speeds (0.3-0.9 m/s).
Step counts obtained from video recordings were used as the gold standard
comparison to determine the accuracy of the device. RESULTS: The ankle-worn
device had significantly less error than the waist-worn device at all speeds. The
percentage error of the ankle-worn device was less than 10% at speeds of 0.4-0.9
m/s and did not record zero steps at any speed. The percentage error of the
waist-worn device was below 10% at only the 2 fastest speeds (0.8 and 0.9 m/s)
and recorded zero steps for numerous participants at speeds of 0.3-0.5 m/s.
CONCLUSION: The Fitbit One can accurately capture steps at slow speeds when
placed at the ankle and thus may be appropriate for capturing physical activity
in slow-walking older adults.

Langue : ANGLAIS