Standardized Physical Activities Measured by Accelerometers

STANDARDIZED PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES MEASURED BY ACCELEROMETERS Background and aims: Physical activity may be assessed by several different methods. However, the use of accelerometers is the most direct method available for real-time measurements. The piezoelectric element of accelerometers records an electric voltage during movement which is then transcribed to Activity Counts (AC). Few studies have used Actical accelerometers to assess standardized physical activities and most of these were not applicable to patients in a hospital setting. No previous studies have applied Actical accelerometers to the wrists or ankles during standardized activities. The aim of this study is to record AC during different standardized activities frequently done by patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke.

Methods: Patients discharged since February 2012 after a transient ischemic attack have been invited to participate in the study scheduled for June-September 2012 (nexpected=25). All participants wear 5 accelerometers (Actical), one at each wrist and ankle and one over the hip. Standardized physical activities include:

• treadmill walking (5 minutes, 1 and 4km/h)
• staircase walking (1 floor, normal pace)
• cycling with fixed load (5 minutes)
• standing up from sitting position and sitting down again (x5)
• standing up from supine position
• turning from left to right and back while lying in bed
• raising outstretched arm 90° (x5, standing position)
• eating (5 minutes, sitting position)
• drinking a glass of water
• sleeping (6 hours)

Inclusion Criteria:

• Previous Transient Ischemic Attack
• age > 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy and lactation
• time limit of more than 2 days of standardized activities exceeded
• no informed consent
• disability when tested with Scandinavian Stroke Scale (score <58), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (score >0), modified Rankin Scale (score >0) and Barthels Index 100 (score <100)