Ambulation Monitoring of Transtibial Amputation Subjects With Patient Activity Monitor Versus Pedometer
By Dudek, Nancy L.; Kahn, Omar D.; Lemaire, Edward D.; Marks, Meridith B.; Saville, Leyana; Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Vol. 45, No. 4, pp. 577-585Publication Date: 2008
Study undertaken to measure and compare the accuracy of step count and ambulation distance, determined with a pedometer and an accelerometer, in transtibial amputation patients at the community ambulator level, within a simulated apartment setting and during relatively continuous gymnasium walking. The pedometer used was the Yamax Digi-Walker SW-700 (DW), attached over participants’ belt or waistband, while the accelerometer used was the Ossur patient activity monitor (PAM), placed on participants’ prosthesis. Twenty study participants, of whom 7 were female, ranging in age from 43 to 82, performed simulated household tasks and completed a 160-meter course in a gymnasium at normal walking speed. Study results showed the mean step count accuracy of the DW and the PAM to be equivalent for both the household activity and the walking course. The mean distance measurement accuracy was better with the DW than with the PAM. Both devices demonstrated serious limitations for ambulation monitoring during tasks performed in a household setting. The study concludes that both devices are appropriate only for measuring relatively continuous ambulation. Implications for further research with other populations and in other settings are discussed.
Published by:
VA Rehabilitation Research & Development Service (Web Site: http://www.rehab.research.va.gov )
Link to text: http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/08/45/4/dudek.html
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J55044
