Measuring sedentary behavior using waist- and thigh-worn accelerometers and inclinometers – are the results comparable?

Abstract

Background: Objective sensor-based quantification of sedentary behavior is an important tool for planning and evaluating interventions for excessive sedentary behavior in patients with musculoskeletal diseases. Although waist-worn accelerometers are the standard for physical activity (PA) assessment, only thigh-worn inclinometers can clearly distinguish sedentary behavior from any light PA or standing activity. Methods: In this study, 53 adults (ages 20–85 years) wore two ActiGraph wGT3X-BT monitors, each containing an inclinometer and accelerometer (set for acquisition of slow movements in all three planes), attached to the right waist and thigh for a period of about 4 days. Both monitors recorded total sedentary time and continuous sedentary 10-min bouts by synchronous accelerometry and inclinometry. Differences and correlations between methods and wearing positions were evaluated against participant age, body mass index (BMI), and number of steps taken. Thigh-worn inclinometry was used as reference. Results: Data from thigh-worn inclinometry and waist-worn accelerometry were highly correlated for total sedentary time [rho = 0.888; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.937] and time in sedentary bouts (rho = 0.818; ICC = 0.848). Nevertheless, accelerometry at the waist underestimated sedentary time by ≈17% ( p < 0.001) and time in sedentary bouts by ≈54% ( p < 0.001). A satisfactory concordance thus could be demonstrated only for total sedentary time, based on the Bland–Altmann method (≈96% of data within the limits of agreement). The differences between waist-worn accelerometry and thigh-worn inclinometry did not correlate with age but did correlate with BMI and PA for both sedentary behavior parameters ( r ⩾ 0.240, p ⩽ 0.043). Conclusion: A waist-worn accelerometer can be used to determine total sedentary time under free-living conditions with sufficient accuracy if the correct settings are chosen. Further investigations are necessary to investigate why short sedentary bouts cannot be reliably assessed. Trial registration: DRKS00024060 (German Clinical Trials Register)

Association of sociodemographic, anthropometric, and sleep quality factors with accelerometer-measured sitting and physical activity times among Emirati working women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

“…The fat mass index (FMI) was calculated as the total body fat weight (kg) divided by height in meters squared. 26 The visceral fat area was estimated by multiplying the visceral fat rating, based on the TANITA device manufacturer guidelines, 27 by 10.…”

“… 19 However, such waist/hip-worn devices may have relatively low accuracy in identifying sedentary behavior. 27 , 28 Furthermore, there may be more discomfort while sleeping or embarrassment with device visibility 29 compared with wrist- or thigh-worn devices. Meanwhile, thigh-worn accelerometers are valid tools for assessing changes in posture and PAs.…”

Validation of a Modified Version of the German Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire

“…In this cross-sectional validation study, we used some data from a previously conducted study that tested the accuracy of accelerometry and inclinometry for the detection of SB in 53 adults. Briefly, we demonstrated that not only inclinometry via thigh-worn devices, but also accelerometry via waist-worn devices can be used to reliably assess SB if appropriate technical settings are used [17].…”

Measurement of Sedentary Behavior—The Outcomes of the Angle for Posture Estimation (APE) Method

“…Consequently, researchers should exercise caution when considering the utilization of the inclinometer function of hip-worn accelerometers, particularly in studies emphasizing the duration of SB [17]. The inclinometer function is sensitive to factors such as body shape, because the amount and distribution of body fat can alter the tilting angles of the inclinometer [18,19]. Thus, BMI has an additional impact on the measurement of sitting time using the inclinometer function of accelerometers.…”

“…Thus, BMI has an additional impact on the measurement of sitting time using the inclinometer function of accelerometers. Individuals with higher BMI tend to sit more, but BMI is associated with body shape and composition, which may compromise the ability of hip-worn accelerometers to accurately detect body postures [18]. The recent developments in the field of hip-worn accelerometer algorithms have made it possible to quantify SB as per the proper definition.…”