Effect of body weight support on predicted locomotive physical activity.
Yoshiya Fujika, Hironobu Hamada, Kiyokazu Sekikawa and 3 others
PMID 29950760WHAT IT FOUND
In 16 healthy young adults, a hip accelerometer underpredicted METs and steps as treadmill body weight support increased, while measured METs and step counts did not change.
This suggests possible underestimation in assistive device users.
Key findings
01Accelerometer-predicted METs and predicted step counts were lower with greater body weight support.
02Measured METs and measured step counts showed no significant effect of body weight support.
03Accuracy of predicted METs and predicted step counts was significantly lower at 30% body weight support than at 0% body weight support for both walking speeds.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study included only 16 healthy young university students, not older adults or patients who use assistive devices. Participants walked on a treadmill with handrails, not in their usual walking environment. The walking posture was not the same as actual assistive device walking. Only hip-worn accelerometers were tested, so other accelerometer placements or devices may behave differently. The small sample limits confidence in the findings.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The work was supported by the Fundamental Budget for Education and Research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the lower predicted steps and METs as proof that supported walking reduces actual activity. The measured METs and step counts did not change, and the study used healthy young adults on a treadmill, not older adults who use assistive devices.