Use of activPAL to Measure Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review.
Jennifer Blackwood, Rie Suzuki, Noah Webster and 3 others
PMID 35756981WHAT IT FOUND
The activPAL thigh monitor reliably measures walking, step count, and sitting time in older adults, but it is inaccurate for moderate-to-vigorous activity.
Use it to track low-intensity movement and sedentary behavior. Use a different device, such as a wrist-worn accelerometer, if you need to measure exercise intensity.
Key findings
01The activPAL accelerometer is appropriate for measuring low-intensity activities like walking, sit-to-stand transitions, and sedentary time in community-dwelling older adults.
02The device is not recommended for measuring moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) because it overestimates energy expenditure at higher intensities.
03There is no standardized method for reporting physical activity data when using this device, with studies differing in valid wear day definitions and placement instructions.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The review included only 7 studies, limiting the generalizability of findings. Included studies generally had low comorbidity or disability, so results may not apply to frailer older adults. None of the included studies blinded outcome assessors, and attrition could not be determined in two studies. There was no standardized method for reporting physical activity outcomes across the included studies, making direct comparisons difficult. The review excluded qualitative and mixed-methods studies, which may have provided context on participant adherence and experience.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The review was not funded by a specific grant or commercial entity.
The easy way to misread this
Do not use activPAL data to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in older adults. The device overestimates energy expenditure during higher-intensity activities, so it is only accurate for low-intensity movement and sedentary time.