Measurement properties of device-based physical activity instruments in ambulatory adults with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases: a scoping review

Pim Brandenbarg, Femke Hoekstra, Ioulia Barakou, Bregje L. Seves, Florentina J. Hettinga, Trynke Hoekstra, Lucas H.V. van der Woude, Rienk Dekker, Leonie A. Krops

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: People with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases tend to have an inactive lifestyle. Monitoring physical activity levels is important to provide insight on how much and what types of activities people with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases engage in. This information can be used as input for interventions to promote a physically active lifestyle. Therefore, valid and reliable physical activity measurement instruments are needed. This scoping review aims 1) to provide a critical mapping of the existing literature and 2) directions for future research on measurement properties of device-based instruments assessing physical activity behavior in ambulant adults with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases.

    METHODS: Four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase) were systematically searched from 2015 to April 16 th 2023 for articles investigating measurement properties of device-based instruments assessing physical activity in ambulatory adults with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases. For the majority, screening and selection of eligible studies were done in duplicate. Extracted data were publication data, study data, study population, device, studied measurement properties and study outcome. Data were synthesized per device.

    RESULTS: One hundred three of 21566 Studies were included. 55 Consumer-grade and 23 research-grade devices were studied on measurement properties, using 14 different physical activity outcomes, in 23 different physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases. ActiGraph (n = 28) and Fitbit (n = 39) devices were most frequently studied. Steps (n = 68) was the most common used physical activity outcome. 97 studies determined validity, 11 studies reliability and 6 studies responsiveness.

    CONCLUSION: This scoping review shows a large variability in research on measurement properties of device-based instruments in ambulatory adults with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases. The variability highlights a need for standardization of and consensus on research in this field. The review provides directions for future research.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number115
    Pages (from-to)1-35
    Number of pages35
    JournalBMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
    Volume15
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 21 Sept 2023

    Keywords

    • Accelerometry
    • Chronic disease
    • Device-based instruments
    • Measurement properties
    • Physical activity
    • Physical disability
    • Reliability
    • Responsiveness
    • Scoping review
    • Validity

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