Abstract
The relevance of activity measurement is reviewed. Technical information regarding a new, small, lightweight, fully proportional accelerometer-based activity monitor suited for a wide range of wrist, waist, and ankle activity measurements over extended time periods in free-ranging persons is presented. Calibration data demonstrating within- and between-device reliability and validity are presented. Field trial data are presented showing that wrist and waist actigraphs can predict kilocalories of energy expended. The issue of how activity monitors should be validated is discussed. Instrument reliability is distinguished from clinical repeatability. Recommendations are provided to assist investigators with instrument selection.
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R.W. is an engineer employed by Computer Science and Applications, Inc. He designed and constructed the actigraph reviewed above but does not directly profit from its sale. W.T. is professor of psychology at Fordham University and specializes in activity measurement. He served as an outside evaluator and does not profit from the sale of these actigraphs. While all decisions were mutual, W.T. bears primary responsibility for directing the overall evaluation and presentation. The Model 7164 actigraph reviewed in this article can be purchased from Computer Science and Applications, Inc., 2 Clifford Drive, Shalimar, FL 32579.
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Tryon, W.W., Williams, R. Fully proportional actigraphy: A new instrument. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers 28, 392–403 (1996). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03200519
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03200519