Integrity and Performance of Four Tape Solutions for Mounting Accelerometry Devices: Lolland-Falster Health Study

Abstract

Background: Tape-mounted Axivity AX3 accelerometers are increasingly being used to monitor physical activity of individuals, but studies on the integrity and performance of diffe1rent attachment protocols are missing. Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate four attachment protocols with respect to skin reactions, adhesion, and wear time in children and adults using tape-mounted Axivity AX3 accelerometers and to evaluate the associated ease of handling. Methods: We used data from the Danish household-based population study, the Lolland-Falster Health Study. Participants were instructed to wear accelerometers for seven consecutive days and to complete a questionnaire on skin reactions and issues relating to adhesion. A one-way analysis of variance was used to examine differences in skin reactions and adhesion between the protocols. A Tukey post hoc test compared group means. Ease of handling was assessed throughout the data collection. Results: In total, 5,389 individuals were included (1,289 children and 4,100 adults). For both children and adults, skin reactions were most frequent in Protocols 1 and 2. Adhesion problems were most frequent in Protocol 3. Wear time was longest in Protocol 4. Skin reactions and adhesion problems were more frequent in children compared to adults. Adults achieved longest wear time. Discussion: Covering the skin completely with adhesive tape seemed to cause skin reactions. Too short pieces of fixation tape caused accelerometers to fall off. Protocols necessitating removal of remains of glue on the accelerometers required a lot of work. Conclusion: The last of the four protocols was superior in respect to skin reactions, adhesion, wear time, and ease of handling.

Study protocol for the Screen-Free Time with Friends Feasibility Trial

“…Physical activity will be assessed by Axivity AX3 triaxial accelerometers ( https://axivity.com/product/ax3 ). At school, the research team will provide the children with accelerometers and instruct them to wear the device at the thigh using two adhesive patch 24 h/day for seven consecutive days at baseline and 6-month follow-up [ 31 ]. Based on the three-axis accelerometry data, time spent within physical activity intensity domains (sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous) and distinct activity types (sitting or lying, moving, standing, biking, running, and walking) will be measured.…”

Detailed descriptions of physical activity patterns among individuals with diabetes and prediabetes: the Lolland-Falster Health Study

“…Detailed information about the LOFUS study protocol is described by Jepsen et al 11 In continuation of the physical examinations, a subsample was asked to wear accelerometers. 12 Between February 2017 and November 2018, families were included if at least one adult and one child agreed to accelerometer assessment. From December 2018 to February 2020, all participants were eligible for inclusion.…”

“…Physical activity was measured using Axivity AX3 (Axivity, Newcastle, UK) accelerometers that were attached to the skin using adhesive plaster and placed on the lower back. 12 Axivity AX3 accelerometers have previously shown to be valid when measuring physical activity in individuals with and without functional impairments. 14 15 Participants were instructed to wear the accelerometers consecutively for 7 days, including during sleep and water activities.…”

The association between physical activity, low-grade inflammation, and labour market attachment among people with multimorbidity: A cross-sectional study from the Lolland-Falster Health Study, Denmark

“…Between 1 February 2017 and 30 November 2018, a subsample of LOFUS participants were invited to have their PA measured by using a dual accelerometer system. 25 In this subsample, the inclusion criteria for participation in the accelerometer assessment was that at least one adult and one child aged 17 or below from a participating household should agree to wear accelerometers. This criterion was set because the first LOFUS research project needing accelerometer data aimed at examining family patterns of physical activity.…”

“…29 The accelerometers were placed on the right thigh and lower back respectively, and participants were instructed to wear them for 24 hours per day for seven consecutive days, including during sleep and water based activities, such as showering or swimming. 25 The Axivity AX3 device is a light weight (11g), small sized (23 x 32.5 x 7.6 mm) triaxial accelerometer providing the ability to record unprocessed acceleration with a sampling frequency of 12.5-4000 Hz in a selectable range from 2-16g. At a 50 Hz sampling frequency the recording duration is more than 7 days.…”