Article

The increasing popularity of activity tracking devices
presents an opportunity to monitor physical activity in patients after stroke. We
sought to determine the reliability and accuracy of the Garmin Vivofit and Fitbit
Zip for adults after stroke. METHODS: Twenty-four participants with
stroke-induced hemiparesis wore a Fitbit Zip on the nonparetic hip and Garmin
Vivofits on both wrists during a 6-minute walk test to determine the accuracy of
the devices against video-determined step counts. Participants also wore the
devices during two trials of exactly 50 steps to determine the reliability of the
devices. RESULTS: Fitbit Zip showed excellent reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.974) and
accuracy (4.2% error) for participants who walked faster than 0.35 m/s. Garmin
Vivofit (nonparetic side) had excellent reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.964) but poor
accuracy (</=-16.0%) for all participants. Garmin Vivofit (paretic side) had
excellent reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.858) and accuracy (-4.0% error) for faster
walkers (>0.48 m/s) but poor accuracy (-68.2%) for slower walkers. CONCLUSION:
Fitbit Zip was more accurate and reliable for persons with stroke than Garmin
Vivofit, but slower walking speeds were associated with greater undercounting of
steps for both devices. The Fitbit Zip is appropriate for counting steps in
adults poststroke who range from household to community ambulators.

Langue : ANGLAIS