Upper extremity activity was similar in patients and healthy subjects, showing no significant asymmetry between arms within subjects. Further improvements (e.g. thresholds, filters, inclinometer function) are needed to show the clinical value of AM for patients suffering shoulder complaints. Activity monitoring is becoming a popular outcome tool especially in orthopaedics. The suitability of a single 3D acceleration-based activity monitor (AM) for patients with lower-extremity problems has been shown. However less is known about its feasibility to monitor upper-extremity activity. Insight into the amount and intensity of upper-extremity activity of the affected and non-affected arm (asymmetry) may be of added value for diagnostics, therapy choice and evaluating treatment effects. This study investigates the feasibility of a single AM to evaluate (asymmetry in) upper-extremity activity in daily life.Summary
Introduction
A single 3D accelerometer is accurate in measuring upper-extremity activity durations, rest periods and intensities, suggesting its feasibility for daily life measurements with patients. Further enhancements are feasible to reduce residual false classifications of intensity from certain activities. Physical activity is an important outcome measure in orthopaedics as it reflects how surgically restored functional capacity is used in daily life. Accelerometer-based activity monitors (AM) are objective, reliable and valid to determine lower extremity activity in orthopaedic patients. However the suitability of a single AM to monitor upper-extremity activity, in terms of quantity and intensity, has not been investigated. This study investigates the suitability and validity of a single AM to measure quantity and intensity of upper-extremity activity.Summary
Introduction
