Validation of the Vivago Wrist-Worn accelerometer in the assessment of physical activity

Background: Most accelerometers are worn around the waist (hip or lower back) to assess habitual physical activity. Wrist-worn accelerometers may be an alternative to the waist-worn monitors and may improve compliance in studies with prolonged wear. The aim of this study was to validate the Vivago (R) Wrist-Worn Accelerometer at various intensities of physical activity (PA) in adults. Methods: Twenty-one healthy adults aged 20-34 years were recruited for the study. Accelerometer data and oxygen uptake (VO2) were measured at sedentary, light, moderate and vigorous levels of PA. Results: Activity categories and accelerometer counts were: sedentary, 0-15 counts.min(-1); light, 16-40 counts.min(-1); moderate, 41-85 counts.min(-1); and vigorous activity, > 85 counts.min(-1). ANOVA repeated measures was used to determine the relationship between accelerometry data output and oxygen consumption (r = .89; p < .001). The Bland and Altman method showed good agreement in the assessment of energy expenditure between the indirect calorimetry and the data obtained by the accelerometer. Conclusions: Results of the study suggest that the Vivago (R) wrist-worn accelerometer is a valid measure of PA at varying levels of intensity. The study has also defined threshold values at 4 intensities and hence te Vivago (R) accelerometer may be used to quantify PA in free living conditions among adults. This device has possible application in treating a variety of important health concerns.