Comparisons of hip-worn and ankle-worn accelerometers on measuring physical activity and their correlations with perceived activity level in community-dwelling older adults.

The study included only 40 healthy adults aged 50 years and older, and it excluded people who needed walking aids, had spinal or neuromuscular disorders, had a BMI greater than 35, or scored 3 or higher on the FRAIL scale, so it may not apply to frailer patients. Activity intensity was classified using generic cut-points, which the authors say can produce inconsistent results across individuals. Monitoring covered only four consecutive days, with two weekdays and two weekend days, so it may not capture normal week-to-week variability. Employment status was not recorded, and working versus retired older adults can have different weekday and weekend activity patterns. The study compared device placement and self-report; it did not test whether using these devices improves patient outcomes.

The article is listed as supported by NIH extramural research funding. The authors report no conflicts of interest, and the funders have no interest in the publication.

Do not read the higher ankle step counts as evidence that ankle devices are better overall. They also recorded more light activity, while hip devices recorded more moderate and vigorous activity.