Concurrent Validity of activPAL and activPAL3 Accelerometers in Older Adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess concurrent validity between activPAL and activPAL3 accelerometers in a sample of 53 community-dwelling older adults ≥ 65 years. Physical activity (PA) was measured simultaneously with activPAL and activPAL3 while performing scripted activities. The level of agreement between both devices was calculated for sitting/lying, standing, and walking. In addition, PA was measured over one week using activPAL to estimate the expected agreement with activPAL3 in real life. Overall agreement between activPAL and activPAL3 was 97%. Compared with activPAL, the largest disagreement was seen for standing, with 5% categorized as walking by activPAL3. For walking and sitting/lying, the disagreement was 2%, respectively. The expected daily differences between activPAL3 and activPAL were +15.0 min (95% CI: 11.3-18.8) for walking and +29.5 min (95% CI: 6.2-52.7) for standing. ActivPAL and activPAL3 showed good agreement in older adults. However, if using these devices interchangeably, observed differences might still bias results.

The Influence of Neighbourhoods and the Social Environment on Sedentary Behaviour in Older Adults in Three Prospective Cohorts

“…The activPAL3 monitor has only had direct validation in adults aged 18–65 years and children aged 6–17 years [30]. However, the previous activPAL model has been validated in older adults [56], and studies have shown that there is strong agreement between both models in both older adults [57] and in adults and children [58]. We are thus confident that the activPAL3 is valid for use in older adults.…”

Validity of objective methods for measuring sedentary behaviour in older adults: a systematic review

“…Filtering and choice of epoch time must be set before data collection. Actical (Mini Mitter Respironics, Inc., Bend, OR, USA) [ 37 ] Waist ‘Omni-directional’ accelerometer using piezoresistive and capacitive technology; most sensitive to motion in one plane Activity counts that are filtered and digitized from acceleration signals activPAL (PAL Technologies Ltd., Glasgow, Scotland) [ 38 ] Thigh Uniaxis accelerometer using capacitive technology Classifies activities as sitting/lying, standing or walking activPAL3 (PAL Technologies Ltd., Glasgow, Scotland) [ 38 ] Thigh Triaxis accelerometer using capacitive technology Classifies activities as sitting/lying, standing or walking GENEActiv (Activinsights Ltd., Kimbolton, UK) [ 39 ] Thigh Triaxis accelerometer with a near-body temperature sensor Raw-mode data allows for open-source post-data collection filtering MotionWatch8 (CamNtech, Cambridge, UK) [ 40 ] Wrist Triaxis accelerometer using MEMs technology, with ambient light sensor Activity counts from acceleration signals in a single axis only or in vertical magnitude using epoch-based recoding that uses the three axis; raw-mode data allows for post-data collection filtering Note: Triaxial accelerometers measure acceleration in vertical axis, antero-posterior and medio-lateral …”

“…The Actical study [ 37 ], the largest of the four, included 200 participants with a mean age of 64 years. The ActivPAL3 study [ 38 ] included 53 participants with a mean age of 75 years. The GENEActiv study [ 39 ] included 40 participants with a mean age of 74 years.…”

“…Three other monitors underwent testing in laboratories: the activPAL3, GENEActiv, and MotionWatch 8 (Table 5 ). Klenk et al [ 38 ] compared the newer activPAL3 to the original activPAL. Both were worn on the thigh.…”

Automated Movement Feedback for Recovering Independence in the Sit-to-Stand Movement in an Older Population: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of a Novel System

“…StS) were recorded with an ActivPAL (PALtechnologies, Glasgow, UK) physical activity monitor which was attached to each participant's thigh (dominant side) for 48 hours. This sensor has been validated in a wide range of populations including older people [18].…”