Medicine and science in sports and exercise
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Med Sci Sports Exerc · Sep 2000
Comparative StudyA comparative evaluation of three accelerometry-based physical activity monitors.
Accelerometry-based activity monitors offer promise for the assessment of free-living physical activity. They provide an objective record of frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity with minimal burden on participants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the absolute and relative validity of three contemporary activity monitors (Computer Science and Applications, Inc. [CSA], Tritrac, and Biotrainer) under both laboratory and field conditions. ⋯ The observed differences among the monitors were attributed primarily to differences in the accuracy of the calibration equations rather than to the monitors themselves. Further research is needed to better understand how to use these devices for field-based assessments of physical activity.