Validity study of a triaxial accelerometer for measuring energy expenditure in stroke inpatients of a physical medicine and rehabilitation center

Abstract

Purpose Establish the validity of a triaxial accelerometer (Dynaport (R)) for evaluating the energy expenditure of patients with stroke sequelae at a rehabilitation hospital Methods This is a cross-sectional study with 24 stroke inpatients of a rehabilitation hospital. The participants were assessed on energy expenditure by an ergospirometer system and the triaxial accelerometer simultaneously during a walk test. The data collected by both devices were compared by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman limits of agreement Results An almost perfect agreement (ICC = 0,94) in the energy expenditure measured by the accelerometer compared to the results of the ergospirometer system was found during the exercise test. The Bland-Altman analysis has shown suitable limits of agreement. Post hoc analyses with the maximum volume of oxygen and the total energy expenditure measured by the ergospirometer system evidenced significant correlation with the energy expenditure measurements by the accelerometer Conclusion Our results evidence that the triaxial accelerometer Dynaport (R) and its built-in software are valid for estimating the energy expenditure of stroke sequelae during a walk exercise.