Stepping up with GGIR: Validity of step cadence derived from wrist-worn research-grade accelerometers using the verisense step count algorithm.

Alex V Rowlands; Benjamin Maylor; Nathan P Dawkins; Paddy C Dempsey; Charlotte L Edwardson; Artur A Soczawa-Stronczyk; Mateusz Bocian; Matthew R Patterson; Tom Yates
Abstract
The Verisense Step Count Algorithm facilitates generation of steps from wrist-worn accelerometers. Based on preliminary evidence suggesting a proportional bias with overestimation at low steps/day, but underestimation at high steps/day, the algorithm parameters have been revised. We aimed to establish validity of the original and revised algorithms relative to waist-worn ActiGraph step cadence. We also assessed whether step cadence was similar across accelerometer brand and wrist. Ninety-eight participants (age: 58.6±11.1 y) undertook six walks (~500 m hard path) at different speeds (cadence: 92.9±9.5-127.9±8.7 steps/min) while wearing three accelerometers on each wrist (Axivity, GENEActiv, ActiGraph) and an ActiGraph on the waist. Of these, 24 participants also undertook one run (~1000 m). Mean bias for the original algorithm was -21 to -26.1 steps/min (95% limits of agreement (LoA) ~±65 steps/min) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) 17-22%. This was unevenly distributed with increasing error as speed increased. Mean bias and 95%LoA were halved with the revised algorithm parameters (~-10 to -12 steps/min, 95%LoA ~30 steps/min, MAPE ~10-12%). Performance was similar across brand and wrist. The revised step algorithm provides a more valid measure of step cadence than the original, with MAPE similar to recently reported wrist-wear summary MAPE (7-11%).
Journal JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES
ISSN 1466-447X
Published 01 Oct 2022
Volume 40
Issue 19
Pages 2182 2190 2182-2190
DOI 10.1080/02640414.2022.2147134
Type Journal Article
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