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Monitoring mobility in older adults using a global positioning system (GPS) smartwatch and accelerometer: A validation study

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Jan 11, 2024 version files 283.49 KB
Jan 15, 2024 version files 283.47 KB

Abstract

Background

There is interest in identifying the most reliable method for detecting early mobility limitations. Accelerometry and Global Positioning System (GPS) could provide insight into declines in mobility, but few studies have used this multi-sensor approach to monitor mobility in older adults. 

Methods

Thirty-two volunteers (66.2±6.3 years) agreed to participate in our validation study. We conducted two experiments to determine the validity of the TicWatch S2 and Pro 3 Ultra GPS models against the Qstarz receiver in measuring life-space mobility, trip frequency, duration, and mode. We also assessed the accuracy of the TicWatch in measuring step count and agreement with the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT for activity counts and sedentary behavior. Participants wore devices simultaneously for three consecutive days and recorded activity and trip information.

Results

The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS performed better than the S2 model and was similar to the Qstarz in all tested trip-related measures, and it was able to estimate both passive and active trip modes. Both models showed similar results to the Qstarz in life-space-related measures. The TicWatch S2 demonstrated good to excellent overall agreement with the ActiGraph algorithms for the time spent in sedentary and non-sedentary activities, with 84% and 87% agreement rates, respectively. Under supervised conditions, the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS measured step count consistently with the gold standard observer, with a bias of 0.4 steps. The thigh-worn ActiGraph algorithm accurately classified sitting and lying postures (97%) and standing postures (90%).

Conclusion

Our multi-sensor approach to monitoring mobility has the potential to capture both accelerometer-derived movement data and trip/life-space data only available through GPS. In this study, we found that the TicWatch models are valid devices for capturing GPS and raw accelerometer data, making them useful tools for assessing real-world mobility in older adults and advancing our knowledge of early mobility decline.