scholarly journals Accuracy of Optical Heart Rate Sensing Technology in Wearable Fitness Trackers for Young and Older Adults: Validation and Comparison Study

10.2196/14707 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e14707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsueh-Wen Chow ◽  
Chao-Ching Yang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Exercise Intensity ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Occurrence Rate ◽  
The Real ◽  
Fitness Trackers

Background Wearable fitness trackers are devices that can record and enhance physical activity among users. Recently, photoplethysmography (PPG) devices that use optical heart rate sensors to detect heart rate in real time have become popular and help in monitoring and controlling exercise intensity. Although the benefits of using optical heart rate monitors have been highlighted through studies, the accuracy of the readouts these commercial devices generate has not been widely assessed for different age groups, especially for the East Asian population with Fitzpatrick skin type III or IV. Objective This study aimed to examine the accuracy of 2 wearable fitness trackers with PPG to monitor heart rate in real time during moderate exercise in young and older adults. Methods A total of 20 young adults and 20 older adults were recruited for this study. All participants were asked to undergo a series of sedentary and moderate physical activities using indoor aerobic exercise equipment. In this study, the Polar H7 chest-strapped heart rate monitor was used as the criterion measure in 2 fitness trackers, namely Xiaomi Mi Band 2 and Garmin Vivosmart HR+. The real-time, second-by-second heart rate data obtained from both devices were recorded using the broadcast heart rate mode. To critically analyze the results, multiple statistical parameters including the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), Lin concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), intraclass correlation coefficient, the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, and the Bland-Altman coefficient were determined to examine the performances of the devices. Results Both test devices exhibited acceptable overall accuracy as heart rate sensors based on several statistical tests. Notably, the MAPE values were below 10% (the designated threshold) in both devices (GarminYoung=3.77%; GarminSenior=4.73%; XiaomiYoung=7.69%; and XiaomiSenior=6.04%). The scores for reliability test of CCC for Garmin were 0.92 (Young) and 0.80 (Senior), whereas those for Xiaomi were 0.76 (Young) and 0.73 (Senior). However, the results obtained using the Bland-Altman analysis indicated that both test optical devices underestimated the average heart rate. More importantly, the study documented some unexpected outlier readings reported by these devices when used on certain participants. Conclusions The study reveals that commonly used optical heart rate sensors, such as the ones used herein, generally produce accurate heart rate readings irrespective of the age of the user. However, users should avoid relying entirely on these readings to indicate exercise intensities, as these devices have a tendency to produce erroneous, extreme readings, which might misinterpret the real-time exercise intensity. Future studies should therefore emphasize the occurrence rate of such errors, as this will likely benefit the development of improved models of heart rate sensors.

scholarly journals Accuracy of Optical Heart Rate Sensing Technology in Wearable Fitness Trackers for Young and Older Adults: Validation and Comparison Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsueh-Wen Chow ◽  
Chao-Ching Yang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Exercise Intensity ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Occurrence Rate ◽  
The Real ◽  
Fitness Trackers

BACKGROUND Wearable fitness trackers are devices that can record and enhance physical activity among users. Recently, photoplethysmography (PPG) devices that use optical heart rate sensors to detect heart rate in real time have become popular and help in monitoring and controlling exercise intensity. Although the benefits of using optical heart rate monitors have been highlighted through studies, the accuracy of the readouts these commercial devices generate has not been widely assessed for different age groups, especially for the East Asian population with Fitzpatrick skin type III or IV. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the accuracy of 2 wearable fitness trackers with PPG to monitor heart rate in real time during moderate exercise in young and older adults. METHODS A total of 20 young adults and 20 older adults were recruited for this study. All participants were asked to undergo a series of sedentary and moderate physical activities using indoor aerobic exercise equipment. In this study, the Polar H7 chest-strapped heart rate monitor was used as the criterion measure in 2 fitness trackers, namely Xiaomi Mi Band 2 and Garmin Vivosmart HR+. The real-time, second-by-second heart rate data obtained from both devices were recorded using the broadcast heart rate mode. To critically analyze the results, multiple statistical parameters including the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), Lin concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), intraclass correlation coefficient, the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, and the Bland-Altman coefficient were determined to examine the performances of the devices. RESULTS Both test devices exhibited acceptable overall accuracy as heart rate sensors based on several statistical tests. Notably, the MAPE values were below 10% (the designated threshold) in both devices (Garmin<sub>Young</sub>=3.77%; Garmin<sub>Senior</sub>=4.73%; Xiaomi<sub>Young</sub>=7.69%; and Xiaomi<sub>Senior</sub>=6.04%). The scores for reliability test of CCC for Garmin were 0.92 (Young) and 0.80 (Senior), whereas those for Xiaomi were 0.76 (Young) and 0.73 (Senior). However, the results obtained using the Bland-Altman analysis indicated that both test optical devices underestimated the average heart rate. More importantly, the study documented some unexpected outlier readings reported by these devices when used on certain participants. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals that commonly used optical heart rate sensors, such as the ones used herein, generally produce accurate heart rate readings irrespective of the age of the user. However, users should avoid relying entirely on these readings to indicate exercise intensities, as these devices have a tendency to produce erroneous, extreme readings, which might misinterpret the real-time exercise intensity. Future studies should therefore emphasize the occurrence rate of such errors, as this will likely benefit the development of improved models of heart rate sensors.

scholarly journals Performance in complex life situations: effects of age, cognition, and walking speed in virtual versus real life environments

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Kafri ◽  
Patrice L. Weiss ◽  
Gabriel Zeilig ◽  
Moshe Bondi ◽  
Ilanit Baum-Cohen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Real World ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age Effects ◽  
Shopping Mall ◽  
Complex Task ◽  
The Real ◽  
Gait Parameters

Abstract Background Virtual reality (VR) enables objective and accurate measurement of behavior in ecologically valid and safe environments, while controlling the delivery of stimuli and maintaining standardized measurement protocols. Despite this potential, studies that compare virtual and real-world performance of complex daily activities are scarce. This study aimed to compare cognitive strategies and gait characteristics of young and older healthy adults as they engaged in a complex task while navigating in a real shopping mall and a high-fidelity virtual replica of the mall. Methods Seventeen older adults (mean (SD) age = 71.2 (5.6) years, 64% males) and 17 young adults (26.7 (3.7) years, 35% males) participated. In two separate sessions they performed the Multiple Errands Test (MET) in a real-world mall or the Virtual MET (VMET) in the virtual environment. The real-world environment was a small shopping area and the virtual environment was created within the CAREN™ (Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment) Integrated Reality System. The performance of the task was assessed using motor and physiological measures (gait parameters and heart rate), MET or VMET time and score, and navigation efficiency (cognitive performance and strategy). Between (age groups) and within (environment) differences were analyzed with ANOVA repeated measures. Results There were no significant age effects for any of the gait parameters but there were significant environment effects such that both age groups walked faster (F(1,32) = 154.96, p < 0.0001) with higher step lengths (F(1,32) = 86.36, p < 0.0001), had lower spatial and temporal gait variability (F(1,32) = 95.71–36.06, p < 0.0001) and lower heart rate (F(1,32) = 13.40, p < 0.01) in the real-world. There were significant age effects for MET/VMET scores (F(1,32) = 19.77, p < 0.0001) and total time (F(1,32) = 11.74, p < 0.05) indicating better performance of the younger group, and a significant environment effect for navigation efficiency (F(1,32) = 7.6, p < 0.01) that was more efficient in the virtual environment. Conclusions This comprehensive, ecological approach in the measurement of performance during tasks reminiscent of complex life situations showed the strengths of using virtual environments in assessing cognitive aspects and limitations of assessing motor aspects of performance. Difficulties by older adults were apparent mainly in the cognitive aspects indicating a need to evaluate them during complex task performance.

scholarly journals Adaptation and validation of the Caregiver Burden Inventory for use with caregivers of elderly individuals

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daiany Borghetti Valer ◽  
Marinês Aires ◽  
Fernanda Lais Fengler ◽  
Lisiane Manganelli Girardi Paskulin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Expert Committee ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Back Translation ◽  
Student’S T

OBJECTIVE: to adapt and validate the Caregiver Burden Inventory for use with caregivers of older adults in Brazil.METHOD: methodological study involving initial translation, synthesis of translations, back translation, expert committee review, pre-testing, submission of the final version to the original authors, and assessment of the inventory's psychometric properties. The inventory assesses five dimensions of caregiver burden: time-dependence, developmental, physical, social and emotional dimensions.RESULTS: a total of 120 family caregivers took part in the study. All care-receivers were older adults dependent on assistance to perform activities of daily living, and lived in the central region of the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Cronbach's alpha value for the inventory was 0.936, and the Pearson correlation coefficient for the relationship between the scores obtained on the Caregiver Burden Inventory and the Burden Interview was 0.814. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.941, and the value of Student's T-test comparing test and retest scores was 0.792.CONCLUSION: the instrument presented adequate reliability and the suitability of its items and factors was confirmed in this study.

scholarly journals Intra-rater reliability of transversus abdominis measurement by a novice examiner: Comparison of “freehand” to “probe force device” method of real-time ultrasound imaging

Ultrasound ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa L Kennedy ◽  
Carol A Flavell ◽  
Kenji Doma
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Error ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Transversus Abdominis ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Transverse Abdominis

A “free hand” real-time-ultrasound method is commonly applied to measure transversus abdominis. Potentially, this increases transversus abdominis measurement error due to uncontrolled variability in probe to skin force, inclination, and roll, particularly for novice examiners. This single-group repeated-measures reliability study compared the intra-rater reliability of transversus abdominis thickness and activation measurement by a novice examiner between free hand and a standardized probe force device method. The examiner captured ultrasound videos of transversus abdominis in a single session in healthy participants ( n =  33). Free hand ultrasound featured uncontrolled probe force, inclination, and roll, while probe force device method ultrasound standardized these parameters. Images of transversus abdominis at rest and contracted were measured and transversus abdominis activation calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, standard error of measurement, and worthwhile differences were calculated. The probe force device method resulted in greater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.75–0.96) and lower measurement error (coefficient of variation = 8.89–28.7%) compared to free hand (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.63–0.93; coefficient of variation = 6.52–29.4%). Reliability was good for all measurements except free hand TrA-C, which was moderate. TrA-C had the lowest reliability, followed by contracted thickness of the transverse abdominis, with resting thickness of the transverse abdominis being highest. Worthwhile differences were lower using a probe force device method versus free hand for resting thickness of the transverse abdominis and contracted thickness of the transverse abdominis and similar for TrA-C. Standardization using probe force device method ultrasound to measure transversus abdominis improved intra-rater reliability in a novice examiner. Use of a probe force device method is recommended to improve reliability through reduced sources of measurement error. Probe force device method intra- and inter-rater reliability in examiners of varying experience, in clinical populations, and to visualize other structures merits exploration.

scholarly journals The Modified Gait Efficacy Scale: Establishing the Psychometric Properties in Older Adults

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 318-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alaina M. Newell ◽  
Jessie M. VanSwearingen ◽  
Elizabeth Hile ◽  
Jennifer S. Brach
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

BackgroundPerceived ability or confidence plays an important role in determining function and behavior. The modified Gait Efficacy Scale (mGES) is a 10-item self-report measure used to assess walking confidence under challenging everyday circumstances.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the reliability, internal consistency, and validity of the mGES as a measure of gait in older adults.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study.MethodsParticipants were 102 community-dwelling older adults (mean [±SD] age=78.6±6.1 years) who were independent in ambulation with or without an assistive device. Participants were assessed using the mGES and measures of confidence and fear, measures of function and disability, and performance-based measures of mobility. In a subsample (n=26), the mGES was administered twice within a 1-month period to establish test-retest reliability through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2,1]). The standard error of measure (SEM) was determined from the ICC and standard deviation. The Cronbach α value was calculated to determine internal consistency. To establish the validity of the mGES, the Spearman rank order correlation coefficient was used to examine the association with measures of confidence, fear, gait, and physical function and disability.ResultsThe mGES demonstrated test-retest reliability within the 1-month period (ICC=.93, 95% confidence interval=.85, .97). The SEM of the mGES was 5.23. The mGES was internally consistent across the 10 items (Cronbach α=.94). The mGES was related to measures of confidence and fear (r=.54–.88), function and disability (Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument, r=.32–.88), and performance-based mobility (r=.38–.64).LimitationsThis study examined only community-dwelling older adults. The results, therefore, should not be generalized to other patient populations.ConclusionThe mGES is a reliable and valid measure of confidence in walking among community-dwelling older adults.

scholarly journals Outdoor circuit test: construction and validation of an instrument for the prediction of cardiorespiratory capacity for older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Rezende de Oliveira Venturini ◽  
Paulo de Tarso Veras Farinatti ◽  
Nádia Souza Lima da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Execution Time ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Test Construction ◽  
Subjective Perception ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Predictive Capacity

Abstract Objective: the present study aimed to construct, validate and verify the reliability of a protocol for assessing the cardiorespiratory capacity of older adults attending the Rio ao Ar Livre (Open Air Rio, or RAL) project entitled the “Outdoor Circuit Test” (OCT). Method: validity and reliability tests were carried out to assess the accuracy of the OCT, with 50 older adults (70.6 ± 6.3 years) of both sexes who regularly attended the RAL. Validity was tested by collecting VO2max data under maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test conditions, and the OCT variables: a) Circuit Execution Time; b) Heart Rate; c) Subjective Perception of Exertion; d) Average Heart Rate (HRméd). Reliability was tested through the reproducibility of the measurements of the OCT variables, expressed by the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The predictive capacity of VO2max was given by multiple linear regression and the final stability of the model by the analysis of the residues and the calculation of Cook’s distances, with a value of P≤ 0.05 adopted for statistical significance. Results: the predictive model based on age, sex, waist circumference, BMI and circuit execution time explained 41% of VO2max variance, with a standard error of estimate of 18.5%. Conclusion: the OCT exhibited satisfactory reproducibility (0.62 to 0.93), and proved to be valid, reliable, and specific for predicting the cardiorespiratory fitness of older adults attending RAL, demonstrating adequate reproducibility and a positive association with the physical fitness of older adults.

scholarly journals Psychometric Properties of Instrumented Postural Sway Measures Recorded in Community Settings in Independent Living Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bader Alqahtani ◽  
Patrick J. Sparto ◽  
Susan L. Whitney ◽  
Susan L. Greenspan ◽  
Subashan Perera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Standing Balance ◽  
Minimal Detectable Change ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Absolute Reliability

Abstract Background: In the last few decades, research related to balance in older adults has been conducted in lab-based settings. The lack of portability and high cost that is associated with the current gold standard methods to quantify body balance limits their application to community settings such as independent living facilities. The purpose of the study was to examine the relative and absolute reliability and the convergent validity of static standing balance performance using an accelerometer device . Methods: A total of 131 participants (85% female, mean age 80 ± 8 years) were included for the validity aim, and a subsample of 38 participants were enrolled in the reliability testing (89% female, mean age 76 ± 7 years). The root-mean-square (RMS) and normalized path length (NPL) for sway in antero-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions were calculated for different standing balance conditions. Test-retest reliability was assessed over two testing visits occurring one week apart using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for relative reliability, and the minimal detectable change (MDC) was calculated for the absolute reliability. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to test convergent validity at baseline between balance measurements and related mobility measures. Results: Reliability of balance performance using accelerometers was good to excellent with ICC values ranging from 0.41 to 0.83 for RMS sway and from 0.49 to 0.82 for NPL sway. However, the ICC during semi-tandem stance in A-P direction was 0.35, indicating poor reliability. The MDC of the sway measurements ranged from 2.4 to 9.4 for the RMS and 5.2 to 13.8 for the NPL. Balance measurements were correlated with mobility measurements. Conclusions: Using a portable accelerometer to quantify static standing postural control provides reliable measurements in community settings.

scholarly journals Psychometric Properties of Instrumented Postural Sway Measures Recorded in Community Settings in Independent Living Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bader Alqahtani ◽  
Patrick J. Sparto ◽  
Susan L. Whitney ◽  
Susan L. Greenspan ◽  
Subashan Perera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Standing Balance ◽  
Minimal Detectable Change ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Absolute Reliability

Abstract Background: In the last few decades, research related to balance in older adults has been conducted in lab-based settings. The lack of portability and high cost that is associated with the current gold standard methods to quantify body balance limits their application to community settings such as independent living facilities. The purpose of the study was to examine the relative and absolute reliability and the convergent validity of static standing balance performance using an accelerometer device. Methods: A total of 131 participants (85% female, mean age 80 ± 8 years) were included for the validity aim, and a subsample of 38 participants were enrolled in the reliability testing (89% female, mean age 76 ± 7 years). The root-mean-square (RMS) and normalized path length (NPL) for sway in antero-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions were calculated for different standing balance conditions. Test-retest reliability was assessed over two testing visits occurring one week apart using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for relative reliability, and the minimal detectable change (MDC) was calculated for the absolute reliability. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to test convergent validity at baseline between balance measurements and related mobility measures. Results: Reliability of balance performance using accelerometers was good to excellent with ICC values ranging from 0.41 to 0.83 for RMS sway and from 0.49 to 0.82 for NPL sway. However, the ICC during semi-tandem stance in A-P direction was 0.35, indicating poor reliability. The MDC of the sway measurements ranged from 2.4 to 9.4 for the RMS and 5.2 to 13.8 for the NPL. Balance measurements were correlated with mobility measurements. Conclusions: Using a portable accelerometer to quantify static standing postural control provides reliable measurements in community settings.

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