Vol 6, Issue 2

Validation of Omron™ Pedometers Using MTI Accelerometers for Use with Children

February 15, 2013 - By 

Authors

Bradley P. Peters, Iowa State University
Kate A. Heelan PhD, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Bryce M. Abbey, University of Nebraska at Kearney
International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 106-113, 2013. 
DOI: 10.70252/HSWP6674

Abstract

The MTI accelerometer is highly regarded as a reliable means to measure physical activity in children (Trost et. al., 1998); however, it is not always a practical instrument to use. Pedometers offer an alternative method of activity measurement and are often more practical. PURPOSE: To validate Omron™ pedometer (steps/day) against MTI accelerometer (counts /day and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) min/day) for children. METHODS: 190 children (88 males, 102 females, 8.7±2.1 yrs, 76.9±27.5 BMI %tile) wore an MTI accelerometer and Omron™ pedometer attached to the same belt for 3.9±2.2 days. MVPA was defined as movement ≥4 METs (Troiano et al., 2008). A Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine validity coefficients between Omron™ steps/day and MTI accelerometer MVPA min/day and counts/day. A stepwise regression was used to predict MVPA using Omron steps/day, sex, and age with 488 days of data. Cross-validation and paired t-tests were used to determine differences from predicted MVPA and actual MVPA. RESULTS: The correlations between Omron™ steps/day with both MTI counts/day and MTI MVPA min/day were r=0.79, p<0.05 and r=0.74, p<0.05 respectively. The model generated from the multiple regression equation accounted for 67% of the variance (r2 = 0.6689, SEE = 24.5) in MVPA, MVPA = 67.99 + 0.0068(steps/day) + -7.531(age in years) + 5.559(sex). CONCLUSION: Our validation correlations between the Omron™ pedometer and MTI accelerometer were acceptable The results indicate that the Omron pedometer can be used to estimate MVPA minutes and could serve as a useful alternative to accelerometry for those with limited resources or in practical situations.

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