![]() 5 Only two studies directly assessed usability in normal daily life for older adults. 5 9 Indeed, it was reported that the majority of older adults described the use of fitness monitors as ‘easy’ and wore them reliably for several days. The results indicate that activity monitor use is feasible for older adults. Two recent systematic reviews included a total of 20 studies with older adults, including with non-habitual users. 8 Yet, habitual user reports may not be representative. One study with habitual users of activity monitors found no age effect. While the accuracy of activity monitors has been validated, their usability for older adults has not been sufficiently established. The loss in reliability compared with traditional ECG is minimal and can be neglected as long as heart disease is not the focus of the investigation. 6 Commercial activity monitors may provide researchers with a good alternative. However, wearable ECGs are not suitable for everyday use. HR measurements are traditionally performed with an ECG. To additionally determine the intensity of activity, heart rate (HR) measurements can be used. 5 Not only are steps the least error-prone activity metric, 4 they allow clear-cut recommendations for physical activity. 3 Reviews find an acceptable-to-high accuracy of step estimates across a variety of activity monitors, 3 4 also for older adults. ![]() The most commonly used metric is step counts. Commonly wrist-worn, these monitors allow for continued and unobtrusive wear and real-time recording of activity in daily life.Ĭommercial activity monitors record a range of activity indicators. 2 Commercially available activity monitors have opened up new possibilities. Due to social desirability bias and inaccurate recall, especially among people with cognitive impairments, these have limited reliability. ![]() ![]() In the past, researchers have relied on self-reports. 1 Thus, researchers have an interest in accurately measuring physical activity in this population. Physical activity is linked to better physical health as well as improved cognition and functional capacity in older adults. ![]()
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