For total EE , correlation coefficients were statistically significantly lower in uniaxial compared to multisensor devices .
For active EE , correlations were slightly but not significantly lower in uniaxial compared to triaxial and multisensor devices .
The high level of heterogeneity in the validation studies is only partly explained by the type of activity monitor and the activity monitor outcome .
Triaxial and multisensor devices tend to be more valid monitors .
The assessment of physical activity in healthy population s and in those with chronic diseases is challenging .
The aim of this systematic review was to identify whether available activity monitors ( AM ) have been appropriately vali date d for use in assessing physical activity in these groups .
Pedometer accuracy in nursing home and community-dwelling older adults.
PURPOSE The accuracy of pedometers has not been thoroughly tested with older adult population s. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of walking speed and gait disorders on the accuracy of Yamax pedometers with nursing home residents ( NH ) relative to older adults living in the community . METHODS Pedometer accuracy was evaluated against observed steps taken during a self-paced walking test ( slow , normal , and fast speeds ) in 26 NH residents and 28 seniors ' recreation center members ( SC ) . Devices were attached to clothing at the waist . Walking speed was ascertained from the timed walk and a gait assessment was conducted . Percent error was calculated as ( [ pedometer steps - observed steps]/observed steps ) x 100 . RESULTS The walking speeds of both sample s increased across self-selected paces ( P < 0.0001 ) . The community-dwelling older adults  walked significantly faster ( P < 0.0001 ) in all trials and had significantly higher ( P < 0.0001 ) gait assessment scores ( indicating fewer gait problems ) . Gait scores were positively associated with walking speed and pedometer percent error .  Pedometers significantly underestimated NH residents '  observed steps taken by 74 % ( slow ) , 55 % ( normal ) , and 46 % ( fast ) paces ( P < 0.0001 ) . In the SC sample , the instruments failed to detect 25 % , 13 % , and 7 % of actual steps taken , respectively ( P < 0.0001 ) . The magnitude of the error was greater for NH versus SC older adults ( P < 0.0001 ) across all trials . CONCLUSIONS Slow walking speed and gait disorders hamper the utility of pedometers for physical activity measurement in frail seniors , such as NH residents , when worn at the usual attachment site . Pedometers , however , can be confidently used with ostensibly healthy older adult population s for both assessment and motivation purpose
For total EE , correlation coefficients were statistically significantly lower in uniaxial compared to multisensor devices .
For active EE , correlations were slightly but not significantly lower in uniaxial compared to triaxial and multisensor devices .
The high level of heterogeneity in the validation studies is only partly explained by the type of activity monitor and the activity monitor outcome .
Triaxial and multisensor devices tend to be more valid monitors .
The assessment of physical activity in healthy population s and in those with chronic diseases is challenging .
The aim of this systematic review was to identify whether available activity monitors ( AM ) have been appropriately vali date d for use in assessing physical activity in these groups .