Measurement of energy expenditure by activity monitors

Abstract

Background: Recent research has indicated that energy expenditure (EE) is predictive of health related outcomes. Valid, reliable and feasible measures of EE are required to further investigate this relationship and to monitor adherence to activity guidelines.

Objective: To assess the ability of activity monitors to measure EE in apparently healthy adults and children.

Major findings: Three monitors met the inclusion criteria for this review: the RT3, the IDEEA, and the Sensewear Pro Armband (SWA). Thirty-three studies reported on the validity and reliability of these monitors. Fifteen studies reported on the feasibility of the monitors. The ability of the monitors to assess EE varied across activity types. All monitors underestimated the energy cost of free-living activities. The estimation of total energy expenditure from all three monitors disagreed considerably with a criterion measure of EE.

Conclusion: Of these monitors, the SWA is the most studied activity monitor in adults and children. However, until a standardized methodology is used in validation studies, it is difficult to recommend the use of one monitor above others. Further research is required into the comparative validity, the reliability and the feasibility of these monitors to aid monitor selection.

Keywords:

• Accelerometers
• Activity monitors
• Physical activity
• Energy expenditure
• Reproducibility
• Validity
• Feasibility