Preliminary Evaluation of Reliability and Criterion Validity of Actiwatch-Score
By Gironda, Ronald J., PhD; Lloyd, John, PhD; Clark, Michael E., PhD; Walker, Robyn L., PhD; Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 223-230Publication Date: 2007
Study conducted to evaluate the measurement properties of one the Actiwatch-Score, which is a commercially available actigraph. An actigraph is a small device that records activity levels, including calories burned, limb movements, and sleep levels. The Actiwatch-Score utilizes an accelerometer that is sensitive to movement in all directions. The device’s sensors are able to calculate the degree and speed of motion. In this case, the Actiwatch-Score was used to assess changes in activity among people experiencing chronic pain. The device was compared with the VICON Motion Analysis System from Oxford Metrics Group, which is a commercially available technology that utilizes optical-reflective markers placed on specific body parts. The researchers conducted separate trials with each system for comparative purposes. The data indicated that the Actiwatch-Score has excellent interunit reliability and good criterion validity, but its inter-site reliability varies with activity type. These results suggest that this device, and those like it, warrants further investigation and is likely to yield valuable data regarding the optimal application of this technology.
Assistive Products Discussed: EMG ANALYZER (MODEL MA-300-6, MA300-10, & MA300-16)
ACTIWATCH-2, ACTIWATCH SPECTRUM, & ACTIWATCH SCORE
Published by:
VA Rehabilitation Research & Development Service (Web Site: http://www.rehab.research.va.gov )
