Thigh-worn accelerometry for measuring movement and posture across the 24-hour cycle: a scoping review and expert statement

Matthew L. Stevens*, Nidhi Gupta, Elif Inan Eroglu, Patrick Joseph Crowley, Barbaros Eroglu, Adrian Bauman, Malcolm Granat, Leon Straker, Peter Palm, Sari Stenholm, Mette Aadahl, Paul Mork, Sebastien Chastin, Vegar Rangul, Mark Hamer, Annemarie Koster, Andreas Holtermann, Emmanuel Stamatakis

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)
49 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Introduction: The Prospective Physical Activity Sitting and Sleep consortium (ProPASS) is an international collaboration platform committed to harmonise thigh-worn accelerometry data. The aim of this paper is to (1) outline observational thigh-worn accelerometry studies and (2) summarise key strategic directions arising from the inaugural ProPASS meeting.

Methods: (1) We performed a systematic scoping review for observational studies of thigh-worn triaxial accelerometers in free-living adults (n≥100, 24 hours monitoring protocols). (2)Attendees of the inaugural ProPASS meeting were sent a survey focused on areas related to developing ProPASS: important terminology (Q1); accelerometry constructs (Q2); advantages and distinct contribution of the consortium (Q3); data pooling and harmonisation (Q4); data access and sharing (Q5 and Q6).

Results: (1) Eighty eligible articles were identified (22 primary studies; n~17 685). The accelerometers used most often were the ActivPAL3 and ActiGraph GT3X. The most commonly collected health outcomes were cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal. (2) None of the survey questions elicited the predefined 60% agreement. Survey responses recommended that ProPASS: use the term physical behaviour or movement behaviour rather than 'physical activity' for the data we are collecting (Q1); make only minor changes to ProPASS's accelerometry construct (Q2); prioritise developing standardised protocols/tools (Q4); facilitate flexible methods of data sharing and access (Q5 and Q6).

Conclusions: Thigh-worn accelerometry is an emerging method of capturing movement and posture across the 24 hours cycle. In 2020, the literature is limited to 22 primary studies from high-income western countries. This work identified ProPASS's strategic directions-indicating areas where ProPASS can most benefit the field of research: use of clear terminology, refinement of the measured construct, standardised protocols/tools and flexible data sharing.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere000874
Number of pages12
JournalBMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine
Volume6
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Dec 2020

Keywords

  • accelerometry
  • movement
  • posture

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Thigh-worn accelerometry for measuring movement and posture across the 24-hour cycle: a scoping review and expert statement'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this