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Aims: Physical activity (PA) is an important target for improving clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients. Nonetheless, assessing the daily PA profile in this population is a challenging task, traditionally performed using self‐report questionnaires such as the International PA Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ‐SF). This study aimed to evaluate the concurrent validity of the IPAQ‐SF and accelerometer‐assessed PA using six published cut‐points in patients with HF and reduced or mildly reduced ejection fraction. Methods and results: The concordance between the IPAQ‐SF and a hip‐worn accelerometer regarding daily time spent performing moderate to vigorous PA in bouts of at least 10 min was assessed in 53 participants for seven consecutive days using six different cut‐points (Barnett, Dibben, Mark, Sanders, Troiano, and Vaha‐Ypya). Spearman's correlation and Bland–Altman plots were used to evaluate concurrent validity between methods. Regressions were used to study the association between patient variables, wear protocol (waking hour or 24 h), and absolute bias. The kappa index was used to evaluate the concordance between IPAQ‐SF and accelerometry for classifying patients as active or non‐active. All analyses were re‐run using non‐bouted metrics to investigate the effect of bouted versus non‐bouted analysis. The IPAQ‐SF and accelerometry showed low to negligible correlation (ρ = 0.12 to 0.37), depending on the cut‐point used. The regression analysis showed that the absolute bias was higher in participants following the waking‐hour protocol at all cut‐points except Dibben's (P ≤ 0.007). The concordance between the two methods to classify patients as active and non‐active was low when using Mark (κ = 0.23) and Barnett (κ = 0.34) cut‐points and poor for the remaining cut‐points (κ = 0.03 to 0.18). The results of the sensitivity analysis showed negligible to low correlation using non‐bouted metrics (ρ = 0.27 to 0.33). Conclusions: Moderate to vigorous PA measures using IPAQ‐SF and accelerometers are not equivalent, and we do not encourage researchers to use IPAQ‐SF alone when assessing PA in HF patients. Moreover, applying personalized collection and processing criteria is important when assessing PA in HF patients. We recommend following the 24 h protocol and selecting cut‐points calibrated in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Finally, it is necessary to develop a new tailored questionnaire that considers walking intensity and is adjusted to the current World Health Organisation recommendations, which use non‐bouted metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is no way to assess mechanical loading variables such as peak ground reaction forces (pGRF) and peak loading rate (pLR) in clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to develop accelerometry-based equations to predict both pGRF and pLR during walking and running. One hundred and thirty one subjects (79 females; 76.9 ± 19.6 kg) walked and ran at different speeds (2–14 km·h−1) on a force plate–instrumented treadmill while wearing accelerometers at their ankle, lower back and hip. Regression equations were developed to predict pGRF and pLR from accelerometry data. Leave-one-out cross-validation was used to calculate prediction accuracy and Bland–Altman plots. Our pGRF prediction equation was compared with a reference equation previously published. Body mass and peak acceleration were included for pGRF prediction and body mass and peak acceleration rate for pLR prediction. All pGRF equation coefficients of determination were above 0.96, and a good agreement between actual and predicted pGRF was observed, with a mean absolute percent error (MAPE) below 7.3%. Accuracy indices from our equations were better than previously developed equations. All pLR prediction equations presented a lower accuracy compared to those developed to predict pGRF. Walking and running pGRF can be predicted with high accuracy by accelerometry-based equations, representing an easy way to determine mechanical loading in free-living conditions. The pLR prediction equations yielded a somewhat lower prediction accuracy compared with the pGRF equations. Peak ground reaction forces can be accurately predicted through raw accelerometry data. These predictions are valid for a broad range of body masses and for ankle, lower back and hip accelerometer placements. Peak loading rate prediction presented lower accuracy compared with peak ground reaction force prediction. These findings result in a simple method to predict mechanical loading in clinical practice, which is relevant in some areas of sports medicine such as bone health and injury prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Limited research on using smart wearables such as Fitbit devices among people with dementia has shown favourable outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability and feasibility of using a Fitbit Charge 3 among people with dementia, living in the community, who took part in the physical exercise component of the Comprehensive REsilience‐building psychoSocial intervenTion pilot study. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted; Quantitative data relating to wear rates for the Fitbit were recorded and qualitative data were collected by group and individual interviews with the people with dementia and their caregiver about their experience of wearing/using the Fitbit in the study. Results: Nine people with dementia and their caregiver completed the intervention. Only one participant wore the Fitbit consistently. Supporting set‐up and use of the devices was time consuming and caregiver involvement was essential for day‐to‐day support: none of the people with dementia owned a smartphone. Few of them engaged with the Fitbit features, primarily only using it to check the time and only a minority wanted to keep the device beyond the intervention. Discussion: When designing a study using smart wearables such as a Fitbit among people with dementia, consideration should be given to the following: the possible burden on caregivers supporting the use of the device; a lack of familiarity with this technology in the target population; dealing with missing data, and the involvement of the researcher in setting up and supporting use of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Activity monitors, such as Fitbits®, are being used increasingly for research purposes and data have been validated in healthy community‐dwelling older adults. Given the lack of research in older adults with neurocognitive disorders, we investigated the consistency of sleep data recorded from a wrist‐worn activity monitor in this population. Methods: Fitbit® activity monitors were worn by hospitalized older adults as part of a parent study investigating sleep and step count in patients recovering from hip fracture surgery in a tertiary care academic hospital in Hamilton, Canada between March 2018 and June 2019. In this secondary analysis, we compared the proportion of missing sleep data between participants with and without a neurocognitive disorder and used a multivariable model to assess the association between neurocognitive disorder and missing sleep data. Results: Of 67 participants included in the analysis, 22 had a neurocognitive disorder (median age: 86.5 years). Sleep data were missing for 47% of the neurocognitive disorder group and 23% of the non‐neurocognitive disorder group. The presence of a neurocognitive disorder was associated with an increased likelihood of missing sleep data using the Fitbit® activity monitors (adjusted odds ratio: 3.41; 95% confidence interval: 1.06–11.73, p = 0.04). Conclusion: The inconsistent nature of sleep data tracking in hospitalized older adults with neurocognitive disorders highlights the challenges of using interventions in patient populations who are often excluded from validation studies. As opportunities expand for activity monitoring in persons with neurocognitive disorders, novel technologies not previously studied in this group should be used with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Restrictions during the COVID‐19 crisis will have impacted on opportunities to be active. We aimed to (a) quantify the impact of COVID‐19 restrictions on accelerometer‐assessed physical activity and sleep in people with type 2 diabetes and (b) identify predictors of physical activity during COVID‐19 restrictions. Methods: Participants were from the UK Chronotype of Patients with type 2 diabetes and Effect on Glycaemic Control (CODEC) observational study. Participants wore an accelerometer on their wrist for 8 days before and during COVID‐19 restrictions. Accelerometer outcomes included the following: overall physical activity, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), time spent inactive, days/week with ≥30‐minute continuous MVPA and sleep. Predictors of change in physical activity taken pre‐COVID included the following: age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), socio‐economic status and medical history. Results: In all, 165 participants (age (mean±S.D = 64.2 ± 8.3 years, BMI=31.4 ± 5.4 kg/m2, 45% women) were included. During restrictions, overall physical activity was lower by 1.7 mg (~800 steps/day) and inactive time 21.9 minutes/day higher, but time in MVPA and sleep did not statistically significantly change. In contrast, the percentage of people with ≥1 day/week with ≥30‐minute continuous MVPA was higher (34% cf. 24%). Consistent predictors of lower physical activity and/or higher inactive time were higher BMI and/or being a woman. Being older and/or from ethnic minorities groups was associated with higher inactive time. Conclusions: Overall physical activity, but not MVPA, was lower in adults with type 2 diabetes during COVID‐19 restrictions. Women and individuals who were heavier, older, inactive and/or from ethnic minority groups were most at risk of lower physical activity during restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adverse reactions to food are a common dermatological condition in dogs, requiring nutritional intervention using a novel or hydrolysate protein‐based food. Objective: To evaluate a therapeutic food containing egg and phytonutrients in dogs with food allergies using an activity monitor and core outcome set for canine atopic dermatitis (COSCAD'18) guidelines and in a controlled double‐masked, multicenter, prospective clinical trial. Animals: Adult dogs with a history of adverse food reaction as diagnosed by a food elimination trial were recruited from general practices. Methods: After a 21‐day baseline period, dogs were randomized to test or positive control (hydrolyzed protein) food for 21 days. Owner (pruritus visual analog score [PVAS], coat quality, food acceptance, and satisfaction) and veterinarian (canine atopic dermatitis lesion index [CADLI], physical examination) assessments were completed on days 0, 21, and 42. Dogs wore a collar‐mounted activity monitor to record scratching and shaking behavior throughout the study. Statistical analysis included within‐group comparison to baseline and between‐group comparison at study end using a significance threshold of alpha = 0.05. Results: At the end of the treatment period, all results were similar between groups for CADLI, PVAS, owner satisfaction, activity, and questionnaire data. Scores for hair dullness, brittleness, amount of dandruff, feces quality, and food acceptance were positive and not statistically different between groups. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The therapeutic test food was well‐accepted and efficacious in managing signs of adverse reactions to food compared to baseline as well as compared to the positive control food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adverse reactions to food are a common dermatological condition in dogs, requiring nutritional intervention using novel or hydrolysate protein‐based foods. Objective: To evaluate a therapeutic food containing egg and phytonutrients in dogs with food allergies using an activity monitor and core outcome set for canine atopic dermatitis (COSCAD'18) in a controlled double‐masked, multicenter, prospective clinical trial. Animals: Adult dogs with a history of adverse food reaction as diagnosed by a food elimination trial were recruited from general practices. Methods: After a 21‐day baseline period, dogs were randomized to test or positive control (hydrolyzed protein) food for 21 days. Owner (pruritus visual analog score [PVAS], coat quality, food acceptance, and satisfaction) and veterinarian (canine atopic dermatitis lesion index [CADLI], physical examination) assessments were completed on days 0, 21, and 42. Dogs wore a collar‐mounted activity monitor to record sleep, scratching, and shaking behavior throughout the study. Statistical analysis included within‐group comparison to baseline and between‐group comparison at study end using a significance threshold of alpha = 0.05. Results: At the end of the treatment period, all results were similar between groups for CADLI, PVAS, owner satisfaction, activity, and questionnaire data. Scores for hair dullness, brittleness, amount of dandruff, feces quality, and food acceptance were positive and were not statistically different between groups. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The therapeutic test food was well‐accepted and efficacious in managing signs of adverse reactions to food compared to baseline as well as compared to the positive control food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This pilot and feasibility study evaluated wrist‐worn accelerometers to measure recovery from day‐case surgery in comparison with daily quality of recovery‐15 scores. The protocol was designed with extensive patient and public involvement and engagement, and delivered by a research network of anaesthesia trainees. Forty‐eight patients recruited through pre‐operative assessment clinics wore wrist accelerometers for 7 days before (pre‐operative) and immediately after elective surgery (early postoperative), and again at 3 months (late postoperative). Validated activity and quality of recovery questionnaires were administered. Raw accelerometry data were archived and analysed using open source software. The mean (SD) number of valid days of accelerometer wear per participant in the pre‐operative, early and late postoperative periods were 5.4 (1.7), 6.6 (1.1) and 6.6 (1.0) days, respectively. On the day after surgery, Euclidian norm minus one (a summary measure of raw accelerations), step count, light physical activity and moderate/vigorous physical activity decreased to 57%, 47%, 59% and 35% of baseline values, respectively. Activity increased progressively on a daily basis but had not returned to baseline values by 7 days. Patient questionnaires suggested subjective recovery by postoperative day 3 to 4; however, accelerometry data showed that activity levels had not returned to baseline at this point. All activity measures had returned to baseline by 3 months. Wrist‐worn accelerometery is acceptable to patients and feasible as a surrogate measure for monitoring postoperative recovery from day‐case surgery. Our results suggest that patients may overestimate their rate of recovery from day‐case surgery, which has important implications for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this paper were to provide an overview of available activity monitors used in research in patients with heart failure and to identify the key criteria in the selection of the most appropriate activity monitor for collecting, reporting, and analysing physical activity in heart failure research. This study was conducted in three parts. First, the literature was systematically reviewed to identify physical activity concepts and activity monitors used in heart failure research. Second, an additional scoping literature search for validation of these activity monitors was conducted. Third, the most appropriate criteria in the selection of activity monitors were identified. Nine activity monitors were evaluated in terms of size, weight, placement, costs, data storage, water resistance, outcomes and validation, and cut‐off points for physical activity intensity levels were discussed. The choice of a monitor should depend on the research aims, study population and design regarding physical activity. If the aim is to motivate patients to be active or set goals, a less rigorously tested tool can be considered. On the other hand, if the aim is to measure physical activity and its changes over time or following treatment adjustment, it is important to choose a valid activity monitor with a storage and battery longevity of at least one week. The device should provide raw data and valid cut‐off points should be chosen for analysing physical activity intensity levels. Other considerations in choosing an activity monitor should include data storage location and ownership and the upfront costs of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The majority of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy continue to have seizures despite appropriate treatment. Objectives: To assess the use of a commercially available, collar‐mounted accelerometer to detect generalized seizures in dogs. Animals Twenty two client‐owned dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Methods: Six‐month prospective clinical study during which dogs wore a collar‐mounted accelerometer. Seizure documentation was based on owner observations and video recordings. The accelerometer used a predefined algorithm to detect seizures in the first study phase, and an individualized algorithm in the second study phase. Caregivers completed a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire at the initial and final study visit. Results: Using the predefined algorithm, the accelerometer detected seizures with a sensitivity of 18.6% (95% CI [13.4%, 23.8%]) and mean false detection rate of 0.096/day. Values did not change significantly with use of an individualized algorithm (sensitivity 22.1%, 95% CI [15.1%, 29.0%]; false detection rate 0.054/day). Mean composite QoL score was significantly improved at study completion (50.42) compared to study initiation (39.53; P =.005), and this change was moderately correlated with a change in weekly exercise (r = 0.46, P =.05). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Generalized seizures in dogs can be detected with a collar‐mounted accelerometer, but the overall sensitivity is low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare estimations of sedentary time (SED) and time spent in physical activity (PA) intensities in children with overweight/obesity across different age‐appropriate cut‐points based on different body‐worn attachment sites and acceleration metrics. A total of 104 overweight/obese children (10.1 ± 1.1 years old, 43 girls) concurrently wore ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers on their right hip and non‐dominant wrist for 7 days (24 hours). Euclidean norm −1 g (ENMO) and activity counts from both vertical axis (VACounts) and vector magnitude (VMCounts) were derived. We calculated estimates of SED and light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate‐to‐vigorous (MVPA) intensity PA using different published cut‐points for children. The prevalence of children meeting the recommended 60 min/d of MVPA was calculated. The time spent in SED and the different PA intensities largely differed across cut‐points based on different attachment sites and acceleration metrics (ie, SED = 11‐252 min/d; light PA = 10‐217 min/d; moderate PA = 1‐48 min/d; vigorous PA = 1‐35 min/d; MVPA = 4‐66 min/d). Consequently, the prevalence of children meeting the recommended 60 min/d of MVPA varied from 8% to 96% of the study sample. The present study provides a comprehensive comparison between available cut‐points for different attachment and acceleration metrics in children. Furthermore, our data clearly show that it is not possible (and probably will never be) to know the prevalence of meeting the PA guidelines based on accelerometer data since apparent differences range from almost zero to nearly everyone meeting the guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accelerometers and pedometers have been used to monitor the number of steps. However, the evidence on the step‐counting accuracy of these devices – especially accelerometers – is limited in persons with Down syndrome (DS). This study therefore examined the accuracy of accelerometers placed on the hip or wrist and of a pedometer with a uni‐axial accelerometer mechanism in measuring steps in persons with DS and whether device error is associated with walking speed, height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, leg length, age or sex. Method: Seventeen persons with DS (eight women and nine men; age 33 ± 15 years) walked over‐ground for 6 min at their preferred speed. The steps were measured with a hip‐worn and a wrist‐worn ActiGraph accelerometer using the manufacturer's default (DF) and low‐frequency extension (LFE) filters, and with the NL‐1000 New Lifestyles pedometer on the hip. Steps were also measured with hand tally which served as the criterion. Results: Absolute percent error was considerable and differed statistically between devices (P = 0.001); however, error improved for accelerometers when LFE was applied (Hip‐DF: 31.6 ± 18.8%; Hip‐LFE: 9.7 ± 12.8%; Wrist‐DF: 32.7 ± 14.2%; Wrist‐LFE: 13.6 ± 10.2%; Pedometer: 23.2 ± 22.8%). Bland–Altman plots indicated underestimation of steps for accelerometers and the pedometer. Application of LFE, however, improved the prediction of the accelerometers. The number of steps measured by the hip accelerometer with LFE and by the pedometer did not differ statistically from actual steps. Steps by the remaining methods were significantly lower than hand tally (P ≤ 0.001). Correlations between percent error for each device and walking speed, anthropometry, age or sex ranged between −0.28 and +0.48, and were non‐significant, except for age. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that the pedometer and ActiGraph accelerometers have considerable error in measuring steps of persons with DS. Application of LFE, however, significantly improved the step‐counting performance of the Actigraph accelerometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) show no symptoms at rest, but symptoms are triggered by physical activities. Objectives: The primary aim of our study was to assess physical activity of patients with PH by using an activity monitor. The secondary aim was to evaluate the correlation between the activity monitor parameters and 6‐min walk distance (6MWD), activity of daily living (ADL), quality of life, WHO functional class and PH classification. Methods: Thirty‐eight patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and seven patients with chronic thromboembolic PH were included in the study. Physical activity was assessed using a SenseWear arm band. A 6‐min walk test was performed. Daily living activities were assessed using the ‘nottingham extended activity of daily living index’ (NEADL). For quality of life assessments, ‘Minnesota living with heart failure’ (MLHF) and ‘Short form‐36’ (SF‐36) surveys were used. Results: Physical activity, exercise capacity, quality of life and contribution to ADL were lower in patients with PH. These data were associated with the 6MWD, quality of life and ADL index scores. We also found weak and moderate correlations between activity monitor data and SF‐36 sub‐group scores, MLHF and NEADL scores (P < 0.05). For the group with PAH, idiopathic PAH patients had more exercise capacity and total energy expenditure compared with patients with scleroderma‐associated PAH. Conclusion: Correlation between activity monitor data and 6MWD, most of SF‐36 sub‐group scores, MLHF scores and NEADL index scores suggest that activity monitor can be used in the evaluation of patients with PH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background and objective Daily physical activity ( PA) is reduced in patients with COPD. Previous cross-sectional analyses indicate various predictors for a low level of PA including airway obstruction, exacerbations and co-morbidities. However, information from longitudinal studies evaluating PA in the context of disease progression, survival and co-morbidities is scant. Methods In a heterogeneous cohort of COPD patients, we annually assessed the number of steps per day over 1 week and potential determinants including lung function, exacerbations and co-morbidities. Univariable and multivariable mixed effect models were used to investigate associations between the change in steps per day (dependent variable) and possible predictors and their annual changes. Results A total of 177 COPD patients (46% GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) stage 1/2, 38% stage 3 and 16% stage 4) with a mean (min/max) follow-up time of 2.7 (1/5) years were annually assessed. The number of steps per day decreased significantly over time ( P < 0.001) with a mean annual change of −508 steps. The decrease in activity was significantly associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s ( FEV1 ) % predicted ( P = 0.020) but not with annual changes in FEV1 . Hyperinflation, exacerbations, co-morbidities and their annual changes, and survival did not significantly affect change in PA. Conclusion COPD patients have a substantial decrease of PA over time. This decrease seems to be determined by the degree of airflow limitation. However, patients with a greater annual decline in lung function did not show a greater decrease in PA. The rate of decline in PA did not differ between survivors and non-survivors in this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring physical activity is important to better individualise health and fitness benefits. This study assessed the concurrent validity of a smartphone global positioning system (GPS) 'app' and a sport-specific GPS device with a similar sampling rate, to measure physical activity components of speed and distance, compared to a higher sampling sport-specific GPS device. Thirty-eight (21 female, 17 male) participants, mean age of 24.68, s = 6.46 years, completed two 2.400 km trials around an all-weather athletics track wearing GPSports ProTM (PRO), GPSports WiSpiTM (WISPI) and an iPhoneTM with a Motion X GPSTM 'app' (MOTIONX). Statistical agreement, assessed using t-tests and Bland-Altman plots, indicated an (mean; 95% LOA) underestimation of 2% for average speed (0.126 km.h-1; -0.389 to 0.642; p < .001), 1.7% for maximal speed (0.442 km.h-1; -2.676 to 3.561; p = .018) and 1.9% for distance (0.045 km; -0.140 to 0.232; p < .001) by MOTIONX compared to that measured by PRO. In contrast, compared to PRO, WISPI overestimated average speed (0.232 km.h-1; -0.376 to 0.088; p < .001) and distance (0.083 km; -0.129 to -0.038; p < .001) by 3.5% whilst underestimating maximal speed by 2.5% (0.474 km.h-1; -1.152 to 2.099; p < .001). Despite the statistically significant difference, the MOTIONX measures intensity of physical activity, with a similar error as WISPI, to an acceptable level for population-based monitoring in unimpeded open-air environments. This presents a low-cost, minimal burden opportunity to remotely monitor physical activity participation to improve the prescription of exercise as medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective Both comorbidities and physical inactivity have been shown to impair quality of life and contribute to hospital admissions and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) patients. We hypothesized that the comorbid status predicts the level of daily physical activity ( PA) in COPD. Methods In 228 patients with COPD (76% men; median (quartiles) age: 64 (59/69) years; percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s ( FEV1% pred): 44 (31/63)), comorbidities were assessed by medical history, clinical interviews, examination and blood analysis. PA level ( PAL) was measured by an activity monitor ( Sense Wear Pro, Bodymedia Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA). The association between PAL and comorbidities was investigated by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Results Seventy-nine per cent of the COPD patients had at least one additional chronic comorbidity, 56% had two or more comorbidities and 35% had three or more comorbidities. In univariate analysis body mass index, the number of pack years and having at least one additional comorbidity was negatively associated with PAL while there was a positive nonlinear association between FEV1 and PAL. The presence of at least one additional comorbidity was independently associated with PAL irrespective of airflow limitation. Conclusions In this cohort, almost 80% of COPD patients had at least one additional chronic comorbidity. The level of daily PA seems to be significantly impaired by the presence of comorbidities irrespective of the type of comorbidity and independent of the degree of airflow limitation. Clinical Trial Registration NCT01527773 at . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this population-based study was to assess the association between objectively recorded physical activity (PA) in early gestation and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) identified at 28 weeks of gestation in a multi-ethnic cohort of healthy pregnant women in Oslo, Norway. In total, 759 women were included. In early gestation (<20 weeks), light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity PA and number of steps were objectively recorded (SenseWear™ Armband Pro3), and self-reported PA, demographics, and anthropometrics were collected. The 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was performed at 28 weeks of gestation. Women with GDM had fewer objectively recorded steps (mean 7964 steps/day vs 8879 steps/day, P < 0.001) and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (median 62 min/day vs 75 min/day, P = 0.004) in early gestation than women without GDM. Additionally, 30% of women with GDM compared with 44% (P < 0.001) of women without GDM self-reported regular PA before pregnancy. The significant inverse association between objectively recorded steps per day in early gestation and GDM persisted after adjustment for ethnic origin, weeks of gestation, age, parity, pre-pregnancy BMI, early life socioeconomic position, and self-reported regular PA before pregnancy. The adjusted odds ratio for GDM decreased 19% per standard deviation (3159 steps) increase in objectively recorded steps per day (P = 0.039). Daily life PA in early gestation measured as steps/day was associated with lower risk of GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The Sterile Insect Technique ( SIT) requires vast numbers of consistently high quality insects to be produced over long periods. Quality control ( QC) procedures are critical to effective SIT, both providing quality assurance and warning of operational deficiencies. We here present a potential new QC assay for mass rearing of Queensland fruit flies ( Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt) for SIT; locomotor activity monitoring. We investigated whether automated locomotor activity monitors ( LAMs) that simply detect how often a fly passes an infrared sensor in a glass tube might provide similar insights but with much greater economy. RESULTS Activity levels were generally lower for females than for males, and declined over five days in the monitor for both sexes. Female activity levels were not affected by irradiation, but males irradiated at 60 or 70 Gy had reduced activity levels compared with unirradiated controls. We also found some evidence that mild heat shock of pupae results in adults with reduced activity. CONCLUSION LAM offers a convenient, effective and economical assay to probe such changes. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of application of accelerometry is diverse and ever expanding. Because by definition all physical activities lead to energy expenditure, the doubly labelled water ( DLW) method as gold standard to assess total energy expenditure over longer periods of time is the method of choice to validate accelerometers in their ability to assess daily physical activities. The aim of this paper was to provide a systematic overview of all recent (2007-2011) accelerometer validation studies using DLW as the reference. The PubMed Central database was searched using the following keywords: doubly or double labelled or labeled water in combination with accelerometer, accelerometry, motion sensor, or activity monitor. Limits were set to include articles from 2007 to 2011, as earlier publications were covered in a previous review. In total, 38 articles were identified, of which 25 were selected to contain sufficient new data. Eighteen different accelerometers were validated. There was a large variability in accelerometer output and their validity to assess daily physical activity. Activity type recognition has great potential to improve the assessment of physical activity-related health outcomes. So far, there is little evidence that adding other physiological measures such as heart rate significantly improves the estimation of energy expenditure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lack of regular physical activity is a significant risk to health. The aim of this study was to objectively measure the levels and patterns of activity of adults with intellectual disabilities, to inform the design of studies aimed at increasing activity and health in this population. Materials and Methods Interviews were conducted with 62 community-based adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities at the start and at the end of a 7-day period of physical activity/inactivity measurement using an activity monitor. Results Forty-one (66%) participants wore the activity monitor at least 5 days. Of these, only 11 (27%) achieved the recommended 10 000 steps per day, and only six (15%) were achieving the recommended ≥30 min of moderate/vigorous activity at least 5 days per week. Conclusions Adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities have low levels of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate physical activity, sports participation and aerobic fitness in children who have undergone surgery for congenital heart defects. Subjects and methods: Children who had undergone surgery for congenital heart defects and healthy controls in the Gothenburg area were invited to participate in the study. All participants were aged 9–11 or 14–16 years. The activity monitor ActiReg was used to assess physical activity. Participants were interviewed about their participation in sports and performed a maximal exercise test on a bicycle with measured oxygen uptake. Results: A total of 32 and 25 patients, and 61 and 45 controls, in the two age-groups were included, respectively. The patients had a wide range of severity of congenital heart defects. The physical activity level was similar in the patients and the controls. The rate of sports participation was high for both patients and controls; 80–94% of all participants took part in sports at least once a week. The majority of the patients were considered to have at least a moderate level of aerobic fitness. Conclusions: Although children who have undergone surgery for congenital heart defects have a similar level of physical activity compared with that of healthy children, some of them may require support to participate in exercise and vigorous physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine differences in levels of physical activity (PA), time spent at moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and time spent sedentary between and within days in children from four European countries, 1954 9 – and 15-year-olds were included. PA was measured during 2 weekdays and 2 weekend days using the manufacturing technology-incorporated (MTI) accelerometer. Average count per minute, time spent sedentary, time spent at MVPA and the proportion of children accumulating ≥60 min of MVPA were calculated. Data were compared between weekdays and weekend days and between school time and leisure-time. Although not entirely consistent across countries, overall PA, time spent sedentary and the proportion of children accumulating ≥60 min of MVPA were higher during weekdays compared with weekend days. Differences in overall PA between school time and leisure-time were highly inconsistent between countries. Few children (4–31%) accumulated ≥60 min of MVPA either during school time or during leisure-time. Differences in activity patterns between weekdays and weekend days are explained by less accumulated time in MVPA during weekend days. Weekend days and leisure-time during weekdays seem appropriate targets when promoting PA in order to increase the proportion of children achieving current recommendations on health-enhancing PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Girls with Type 1 diabetes often gain excessive weight during puberty. The aims of this study were to compare objectively assessed physical activity and energy intake in girls with Type 1 diabetes with those in healthy age-matched controls. This prospective cohort study comprised 26 girls with Type 1 diabetes and 49 control girls. The mean age of the diabetic girls was 15.7 ± 2.1 years and that of the control girls 15.8 ± 2.1 years. In the diabetic group, mean haemoglobin A1c was 7.6 ± 1.4% and daily insulin dosage was 1.1 ± 0.3 U/kg. Physical activity was measured during 7 consecutive days with a uniaxial accelerometer, and energy intake was assessed concurrently with a 7-day food diary. There was a tendency towards lower total amount of physical activity in the diabetes group but the difference between the study groups did not reach statistical significance (Diabetes: 464 ± 123 counts/min/day; Controls: 523 ± 138 counts/min/day; P = 0.06). No difference was found between the groups regarding total energy intake (Diabetes: 8.5 ± 1.8 MJ/day; Controls: 8.4 ± 2.6 MJ/day). The carbohydrate intake was lower and the protein and fibre intakes were higher in girls with diabetes. No association was observed between physical activity, energy intake and HbA1c. In this prospective cohort study, we found a tendency towards lower physical activity but no differences in energy intake between girls with Type 1 diabetes and age-matched controls. Larger studies are needed to further explore the importance of the total amount of physical activity for excessive weight gain in adolescent girls with Type 1 diabetes. Diabet. Med. 22, 893 –899 (2005) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate assessment of sleep can be fundamental for monitoring, managing and evaluating treatment outcomes within diseases. A proliferation of consumer activity trackers gives easy access to objective sleep. We evaluated the performance of a commercial device (Fitbit Alta HR) relative to a research‐grade actigraph (Actiwatch Spectrum Pro) in measuring sleep before and after a cognitive behavioural intervention in insomnia disorder. Twenty‐five individuals with DSM‐5 insomnia disorder (M = 50.6 ± 15.9 years) wore Fitbit and Actiwatch and completed a sleep diary during an in‐laboratory polysomnogram, and for 1 week preceding and following seven weekly sessions of cognitive‐behavioural intervention for insomnia. Device performance was compared for sleep outcomes (total sleep time, sleep latency, sleep efficiency and wake after sleep onset). The analyses assessed (a) agreement between devices across days and pre‐ to post‐treatment, and (b) whether pre‐ to post‐treatment changes in sleep assessed by devices correlated with clinical measures of change. Devices generally did not significantly differ from each other on sleep variable estimates, either night to night, in response to sleep manipulation (pre‐ to post‐treatment) or in response to changes in environment (in the laboratory versus at home). Change in sleep measures across time from each device showed some correlation with common clinical measures of change in insomnia, but not insomnia diagnosis as a categorical variable. Overall, the Fitbit provides similar estimates of sleep outside the laboratory to a research grade actigraph. Despite the similarity between Fitbit and Actiwatch performance, the use of consumer technology is still in its infancy and caution should be taken in its interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and convergent validity of the 7-day Physical Activity Recall (7-day PAR) interview in a sample of the Spanish population. Valid 7-day PAR interviews were conducted and RT3 accelerometer measurements taken for 160 subjects from the primary care population aged 24–83, 75 men and 85 women. Two 7-day PAR interviews were conducted, with a one-week interval, with 147 of these participants. Test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Convergent validity between the 7-day PAR and the accelerometer data were examined using Spearman's correlation coefficients, and the kappa index of agreement was calculated. The 7-day PAR reliability coefficients were 0.68 (95%CI: 0.58–0.76) for total energy expenditure, 0.65 (95%CI: 0.54–0.73) for the activity dose, and 0.61 (95%CI: 0.50–0.70) and 0.75 (95%CI: 0.67–0.81) for time spent on moderate and vigorous-intensity activity, respectively. These coefficients ranged from 0.91 to 0.96 in participants who reported a typical week in both interviews. Convergent validity ranged from 0.25 for time spent on vigorous activity to 0.52 for the activity dose, and the kappa index was 0.43 (95%CI: 0.30–0.56). Reliability and convergent validity coefficients in the Spanish population were generally moderate and similar to those found in other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]