Using fitness devices and GPS (global positioning systems) technology in measuring energy expenditure and distance walked over flat and incline surfaces

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The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of five fitness devices (one GPS watch, two types of pedometers, and two types of accelerometers) in estimating distance and energy expenditure (EE), as compared to criterion values, while traversing two different surfaces: flat and inclined. All five devices are worn by each participant for each trial. For the flat surface, participants walked at two different speeds (5 km/hr, 3 km/hr) on a 400‐m outdoor track. For each speed, participants completed three 6‐minute trials. For the incline surface, participants climbed stadium stairs at 5 km/hr for approximately one minute and at 3 km/hr for approximately two minutes. To determine how much each device varies from the criterions (measuring tape for distance and RT3 accelerometer for EE) the difference between the participants’ mean scores and the criterion was calculated. Seven females and seven males (mean ± SD; age 22.1 ± 2.1 yr, mass 71.40 ± 15.91 kg, height 171.27 ± 12.47 cm, BMI 23.57 ± 2.84) participated in the study. All devices underestimated EE below the RT3 estimate (14.6 kcal to 49.4 kcal). There was more variability estimating distance, with a range of overestimating by 44.1‐m and underestimating by 6.7‐m. Both pedometers generated similar findings for EE and distance. To help people lose or maintain weight, it is important to consider when fitness devices over‐ or under‐estimate EE and/or distance.Grant Funding Source: APS David S. Bruce Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Research