Comparison of steps and energy expenditure assessment in adults of Fitbit Tracker and Ultra to the Actical and indirect calorimetry

Abstract Epidemic levels of inactivity are associated with chronic diseases and rising healthcare costs. To address this, accelerometers have been used to track levels of activity. The Fitbit and Fitbit Ultra are some of the newest commercially available accelerometers. The purpose of this study was...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of medical engineering & technology 2013-10, Vol.37 (7), p.456-462
Main Authors: Adam Noah, J., Spierer, David K., Gu, Jialu, Bronner, Shaw
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accelerometer
Adult
Calorimetry, Indirect
Energy Metabolism - physiology
Exercise - physiology
Female
Humans
Male
Monitoring, Physiologic - instrumentation
pedometer
physical activity
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Epidemic levels of inactivity are associated with chronic diseases and rising healthcare costs. To address this, accelerometers have been used to track levels of activity. The Fitbit and Fitbit Ultra are some of the newest commercially available accelerometers. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the Fitbit and Fitbit Ultra. Twenty-three subjects were fitted with two Fitbit and Fitbit Ultra accelerometers, two industry-standard accelerometers and an indirect calorimetry device. Subjects participated in 6-min bouts of treadmill walking, jogging and stair stepping. Results indicate the Fitbit and Fitbit Ultra are reliable and valid for activity monitoring (step counts) and determining energy expenditure while walking and jogging without an incline. The Fitbit and standard accelerometers under-estimated energy expenditure compared to indirect calorimetry for inclined activities. These data suggest the Fitbit and Fitbit Ultra are reliable and valid for monitoring over-ground energy expenditure.
ISSN:0309-1902
1464-522X
DOI:10.3109/03091902.2013.831135