BodyMedia SenseWear Research Articles

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SEDENTARY BEHAVIORS AND MYOSTEATOSIS IN AFRICAN CARIBBEANS

Abstract Skeletal muscle fat infiltration (myosteatosis) leads to poorer muscle quality and function with aging, and is emerging as a predictor of skeletal muscle strength, mobility, and metabolic disorders. Few studies investigated the association of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with myosteatosis, especially in African Caribbeans, a vastly under-studied, rapidly growing population. We examined the associations of objectively measured PA and SB (Bodymedia SenseWear Armbands) worn over 7 days with calf muscle density (mg/cm3), a marker of intra-muscular fat (Stratec XCT-2000), in older adult African Caribbean men (N=355, mean age 62 years) and women (N=682, mean age 59 years) of the Tobago Health Study. Compared to men, women were younger with higher BMI, more SB, less light (LPA) and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), and lower muscle density (p< 0.05, age-adjusted). Meeting MVPA guidelines (150 min MVPA/week) was associated with greater muscle density in obese men and women (p=0.03, p=0.09 respectively, age-adjusted). Adjusting for age, BMI, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and lipid-lowering treatment, we assessed sex stratified partial spearman correlations between PA and SB and muscle density. MVPA was more strongly correlated with greater muscle density in men (r=0.15, p=0.01) than in women (r=0.07, p=0.09), while SB was associated with lower muscle density in women (r=-0.08, p=.044), but not significantly in men (r=-0.10, p=0.12). Our novel findings indicate that the association between PA and SB with myosteatosis may differ by sex. These findings may have important implications for sex specific activity guidelines related to skeletal muscle health in African Caribbeans.

Dietary Inflammatory Index and sleep quality and duration among pregnant women with overweight or obesity.

Sleep disturbances, which can worsen during pregnancy, have been linked to inflammatory processes. This study tested the hypothesis that more pro-inflammatory diets during pregnancy are associated with a decrease in sleep quality and shorter sleep duration. The Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum study promoted a healthy lifestyle in pregnant women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity (n = 207). Data from <16 weeks and 32 weeks gestation were used. Sleep was measured using BodyMedia's SenseWear® armband. Diet was assessed using two 24-hr dietary recalls. Energy-density Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DIITM) scores were calculated from micro and macronutrients. Linear mixed-effects models estimated the impact of the E-DII score on sleep parameters. Women with more pro-inflammatory diets, compared to those with more anti-inflammatory diets, were more likely to be nulliparous (51% vs. 25%, p = 0.03), frequent consumers of fast food (29% vs. 10% consuming on 4-6 days during the previous week, p = 0.01), ever-smokers (21% vs. 6%, p = 0.02), and younger (mean age 29.2 vs. 31.3 years, p = 0.02). For every one-unit increase (i.e., more pro-inflammatory) in the E-DII score, sleep latency increased by 0.69 min (p < 0.01). Among European Americans only, every one-unit higher E-DII was associated with a 2.92-min longer wake-after-sleep-onset (p = 0.02). An E-DII score that is 5 points lower (i.e., more anti-inflammatory) would equate to about 105 min of additional sleep per week among European American women. Anti-inflammatory diets may help to counteract detriments in sleep during pregnancy, especially among European American women. Additional work is needed among African American women. Name: Promoting Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum (HIPP); URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02260518; Registration Identifier: NCT02260518.

ENERGY EXPENDITURE IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN DEPENDING ON VARIOUS TEACHING METHODS WHEN PRACTICING THE ABC GYMNASTICS PROGRAMME

The aim of the study was to determine whether obstacle course and circuit training areefficient teaching methods as forms of exercise in terms of their intensity, monitored by usingenergy expenditure measuring devices. The key differences in energy expenditure between thetwo teaching methods were examined. The BodyMedia SenseWear equipment for measuringenergy expenditure was used to acquire data from two practice sessions. A sample ofparticipants included 24 five-year-old children from one kindergarten in Ljubljana, althoughcomplete data from both afternoon practice sessions was obtained only from 12 children. Thestudy has shown that obstacle course and circuit training are adequate teaching methods, asmoderate to vigorous intensity was achieved with both methods when practicing the ABCs ofgymnastics. The average energy expenditure has exceeded 7 MET in the main part of twopractice sessions for both obstacle course and circuit training. The results showed nostatistically significant differences in energy expenditure between genders or the specificteaching method used.

Physical activity of patients with critical illness undergoing rehabilitation in intensive care and on the acute ward: An observational cohort study

BackgroundThere are limited published data on physical activity of survivors of critical illness engaged in rehabilitation in hospital, despite it plausibly influencing outcome. ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to measure physical activity of patients with critical illness engaged in rehabilitation in the intensive care unit (ICU) and on the acute ward and report discharge destination, muscle strength, and functional outcomes. MethodsThis was a single-centre, prospective observational study. Adults with critical illness, who received ≥48 h of invasive mechanical ventilation, and who were awake and able to participate in rehabilitation were eligible. To record physical activity, participants wore BodyMedia SenseWear Armbands (BodyMedia Incorporated, USA), during daylight hours, from enrolment until hospital discharge or day 14 of ward stay (whichever occurred first). The primary outcome was time (minutes) spent performing physical activity at an intensity of greater than 1.5 Metabolic Equivalent Tasks. Secondary outcomes included discharge destination, muscle strength, and physical function. ResultsWe collected 807 days of physical activity data (363 days ICU, 424 days ward) from 59 participants. Mean (standard deviation) duration of daily physical activity increased from the ICU, 17.8 (22.8) minutes, to the ward, 52.8 (51.2) minutes (mean difference [95% confidence interval] = 35 [23.8–46.1] minutes, P < .001). High levels of activity in the ICU were associated with higher levels of activity on the ward (r = .728), n = 48, P < .001. ConclusionsPatients recovering from critical illness spend less than 5% of the day being physically active throughout hospital admission, even when receiving rehabilitation. Physical activity increased after discharge from intensive care, but had no relationship with discharge destination. Only the absence of ICU-acquired weakness on awakening was associated with discharge directly home from the acute hospital. Future studies could target early identification of ICU-acquired weakness and the preservation of muscle strength to improve discharge outcomes.

A field investigation of the relationship between rotating shifts, sleep, mental health and physical activity of Australian paramedics

Paramedics working on a rotating shift are at an increased risk of developing chronic health issues due to continuous circadian rhythm disruption. The acute effects of shift rotation and objectively measured sleep have rarely been reported in paramedics. This study investigated the relationships between a rotating shift schedule and sleep (using actigraphy), subjective reports of sleepiness, mood, stress and fatigue. Galvanic Skin Response, energy expenditure and physical activity (BodyMedia SenseWear Armband) were also recorded across the shift schedule. Paramedics were monitored for a period of eight consecutive days across pre-shift, day shift, night shift, and 2 days off. Fifteen paramedics (M age = 39.5 and SD = 10.7 years) who worked rotational shifts experienced sleep restriction during night shift compared to pre-shift, day shift and days off (p < 0.001). Night shift was also associated with higher levels of stress (p < 0.05), fatigue (p < 0.05), and sleepiness (p < 0.05). One day off was related to a return to pre-shift functioning. Such shift-related issues have a compounding negative impact on an already stressful occupation with high rates of physical and mental health issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate methods to reduce rotating shift burden on the health of paramedics. This could be through further research aimed at providing recommendations for shift work schedules with sufficient periods for sleep and recovery from stress.

Validity of Accelerometers for the Evaluation of Energy Expenditure in Obese and Overweight Individuals: A Systematic Review.

Objective Even though the validity of accelerometers for the measurement of energy expenditure (EE) has been demonstrated for normal-weight individuals, the applicability of this instrument in obese individuals remains controversial. This review aims to summarize the level of agreement between accelerometers and the gold standards (indirect calorimetry and doubly labelled water) for the measurement of energy expenditure (EE) in obese or overweight individuals. Methods The literature search was limited to comparison studies assessing agreement in EE determination between accelerometers and indirect calorimetry (IC) or doubly labelled water (DLW). We searched in PubMed and in Scopus until March 1, 2019. The analysis was restricted to obese or overweight adult individuals. The following descriptive information was extracted for each study: sample size, characteristics of participants (sex, age, BMI, fat mass percentage, any pathological conditions, modality of recruitment in the study, and exclusion criteria), accelerometer description (model, type and body position), and type of gold standard and validity protocol (duration, conditions, and requirements during and before the experiment). Three review authors independently screened the obtained results, and the quality of the selected articles was assessed by the QUADAS-2 tool. Results We obtained seventeen eligible articles, thirteen of which showed concerns for the applicability section, due to the patient selection. Regarding the accelerometers, nine devices were validated in the included studies with the BodyMedia SenseWear® (SWA) being the most frequently validated. Although correlations between accelerometers and the gold standard were high in some studies, agreement between the two methods was low, as shown by the Bland–Altman plots. Conclusions Most accelerometer estimations of EE were inaccurate for obese/overweight subjects, and authors advise to improve the accuracy of algorithms for SWA software, or the predicted equations for estimating EE from other accelerometers.

Maternal Fitness And Physical Activity Levels Decrease Infant Adiposity Up To 1 Year Of Age

Maternal obesity and excess gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with increases in infant birth weight and childhood obesity. While greater levels of physical activity are associated with lower GWG and may contribute to reduced infant birthweight and infant adiposity, this remains to be substantiated. PURPOSE: The objective was to examine the relationships between aerobic physical activity during pregnancy, maternal cardiorespiratory fitness, GWG, and infant adiposity from birth to one year of age. METHODS: Nineteen pregnant mothers with singleton pregnancies were randomized into either aerobic intervention (N=9) or control (N=10) groups and followed for 12 months postpartum. At 12±2 weeks, 20±2 weeks and 36± 2weeks, maternal cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak ml/kg/min) was assessed using cycle ergometry, percent body fat via skinfolds, and 5-day levels of physical activity with the BodyMedia Sensewear Armband. Infant skinfolds, length, weight, and waist circumference were obtained at birth, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. RESULTS: Higher total energy expenditure, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), step count, and MET level were associated with lower maternal percent body fat (range r = -.59 to -.82; p<0.02) and GWG (range r = -.32 to -.40; p≤0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis with energy expenditure, MVPA, step count and MET level included in the model showed that, MVPA independently predicted 43% of the variability in maternal percent body fat and that MET level independently predicted 22% of the variability in GWG. Total time spent in physical activity during pregnancy did not associate with infant adiposity at birth or during follow-up. However, women with higher cardiorespiratory fitness participated in greater MVPA throughout pregnancy compared to those who were less fit (67.1 ± 38.3 vs. 23.8 ± 23.6min, p<0.001). At the 1 year time point, for every 1 unit increase in maternal cardiorespiratory fitness, infant waist circumference, biceps skinfolds and triceps skinfolds decreased by 1.4cm, 1.6mm, and 1.1mm, respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggests that greater cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with reduced infant adiposity up to one year of age, possibly mediated by levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity throughout pregnancy.

Low-Cost Consumer-Based Trackers to Measure Physical Activity and Sleep Duration Among Adults in Free-Living Conditions: Validation Study.

BackgroundWearable trackers for monitoring physical activity (PA) and total sleep time (TST) are increasingly popular. These devices are used not only by consumers to monitor their behavior but also by researchers to track the behavior of large samples and by health professionals to implement interventions aimed at health promotion and to remotely monitor patients. However, high costs and accuracy concerns may be barriers to widespread adoption.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the concurrent validity of 6 low-cost activity trackers for measuring steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and TST: Geonaut On Coach, iWown i5 Plus, MyKronoz ZeFit4, Nokia GO, VeryFit 2.0, and Xiaomi MiBand 2.MethodsA free-living protocol was used in which 20 adults engaged in their usual daily activities and sleep. For 3 days and 3 nights, they simultaneously wore a low-cost tracker and a high-cost tracker (Fitbit Charge HR) on the nondominant wrist. Participants wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer on the hip at daytime and a BodyMedia SenseWear device on the nondominant upper arm at nighttime. Validity was assessed by comparing each tracker with the ActiGraph GT3X+ and BodyMedia SenseWear using mean absolute percentage error scores, correlations, and Bland-Altman plots in IBM SPSS 24.0.ResultsLarge variations were shown between trackers. Low-cost trackers showed moderate-to-strong correlations (Spearman r=0.53-0.91) and low-to-good agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.51-0.90) for measuring steps. Weak-to-moderate correlations (Spearman r=0.24-0.56) and low agreement (ICC=0.18-0.56) were shown for measuring MVPA. For measuring TST, the low-cost trackers showed weak-to-strong correlations (Spearman r=0.04-0.73) and low agreement (ICC=0.05-0.52). The Bland-Altman plot revealed a variation between overcounting and undercounting for measuring steps, MVPA, and TST, depending on the used low-cost tracker. None of the trackers, including Fitbit (a high-cost tracker), showed high validity to measure MVPA.ConclusionsThis study was the first to examine the concurrent validity of low-cost trackers. Validity was strongest for the measurement of steps; there was evidence of validity for measurement of sleep in some trackers, and validity for measurement of MVPA time was weak throughout all devices. Validity ranged between devices, with Xiaomi having the highest validity for measurement of steps and VeryFit performing relatively strong across both sleep and steps domains. Low-cost trackers hold promise for monitoring and measurement of movement and sleep behaviors, both for consumers and researchers.

Decline of physical activity in early adolescence: A 3-year cohort study.

This study analyses the changes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in a cohort of boys and girls aged 11 (n = 50) and 14 (n = 50). Physical activity was assessed with Bodymedia SenseWear Pro Armband monitor for 6 days in October 2013 and October 2016, considering 90% of daily wear time (21h and 40min). The initial sample (n = 160) included the children who wore the monitors at age 11 but the final analyzed sample included only those children from the initial sample (n = 50), whose data fulfilled the inclusion criteria at age 11 and 14. Physical fitness and somatic characteristics of the final sample (n = 50) were compared to a representative sample of Slovenian schoolchildren at ages 11 (n = 385) and 14 (n = 236) to detect possible bias. Changes in MVPA were controlled for maturity using the timing of adolescent growth spurt as its indicator. The average MVPA decreased more than one quarter (34.96 min) from age 11 to age 14. Children were significantly more active at age 11 than at age 14 (p < 0.01, d = 0.39). The timing of puberty onset in girls was significantly earlier (12.01 ± 1.0 years) (p < 0.01) than in boys (13.2 ± 0.75 years) (p < 0.01, d = 1.35). There was a significant gender difference in moderate-to vigorous physical activity at age 14 (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.12) and between moderate-to vigorous physical activity at age 11 and 14 (η2 = 0.11). After controlling for the timing of adolescent growth spurt the girls at age 11 showed significantly higher level of physical activity than at age 14 (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.17). Early adolescence is crucial for the development of physical activity behaviours, which is especially pronounced in girls. The significant decline of MVPA between ages 11 and 14 in Slovenia are likely influenced by environmental changes since the timing of adolescent growth spurt did not prove as a factor underlying the decline of MVPA.

Evaluation of safety and arduousness of work conditions of feller with use of modern measurement methods

Evaluation of safety and arduousness of work conditions of feller with use of modern measurement methods. An analysis of issues relating to the subject of widely understood science of ergonomics is shown. Considerations of the authors concentrate on the assessment of arduousness of work of a worker in the workplace of a feller with special consideration of modern measurement methods implementation. The article also aims at establishing whether Body Media Sense Wear device and POLAR V800 with Polar Flow software are useful in monitoring of physical activity parameters of wood industry workers while diagnosing strain of their work.

The validity of two commercially-available sleep trackers and actigraphy for assessment of sleep parameters in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

ObjectiveThe use of activity and sleep trackers that operate through dedicated smartphone applications has become popular in the general population. However, the validity of the data they provide has been disappointing and only Total Sleep Time (TST) is reliably recorded in healthy individuals for any of the devices tested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of two sleep trackers (Withings pulse 02 (W) and Jawbone Up (U)) to measure sleep parameters in patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).MethodsAll patients evaluated for OSA in our sleep laboratory underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG). PSG was conducted simultaneously with three other devices: two consumer-level sleep monitors (U and W) and one actigraph (Bodymedia SenseWear Pro Armband (SWA)).ResultsOf 36 patients evaluated, 22 (17 men) were diagnosed with OSA (mean apnea-hypopnea index of 37+ 23/h). Single comparisons of sleep trackers (U and W) and actigraph (SWA) were performed. Compared to PSG, SWA correctly assessed TST and Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO), and U and W correctly assessed Time In Bed (TIB) and light sleep. Intraclass correlations (ICC) revealed poor validity for all parameters and devices, except for WASO assessed by SWA.ConclusionsThis is the first study assessing the validity of sleep trackers in OSA patients. In this series, we have confirmed the limited performance of wearable sleep monitors that has been previously observed in healthy subjects. In OSA patients, wearable app-based health technologies provide a good estimation of TIB and light sleep but with very poor ICC.

The Physical And Psychological Effects Of Standing Desks In Office Workers

The present study demonstrates differences between energy expenditure in typical office workers and whether or not sit-stand desk options are beneficial. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine differences in energy expenditure between sitting and standing in typically sedentary office workers. A secondary purpose of this study was to determine mindset differences with regards to job boredom, job stress, and job satisfaction. METHODS: Participants (N = 26, 4 males and 22 females) were from two moderately sized communities in the Midwest that had standing desk options available to them. Data was collected using BodyMedia SenseWear armbands for energy expenditure and self-reported Likert-scale surveys for psychological data. Data was collected during four sessions; two sitting sessions where participants were asked to not use their standing desk option, and two standing sessions where participants were allowed to stand as they desired. Data was analyzed using paired-samples t-tests to determine mean differences between energy expenditure and survey data. RESULTS: Results of the t-test for energy expenditure indicated the standing condition expended an average of 7.25 kcal more per hour than the sitting condition (t (24) -3.352, p = 0.003). No differences were found between average total survey data or specific question survey results (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest there is a statistically significant increase in energy expenditure when utilizing a standing desk option at the typical office workstation. Participants expressed improvements in mindset, but this difference was not statistically significant. Overall, individuals that participate in standing throughout the day rather than strictly sitting can increase energy expenditure while at their normal workstation, potentially resulting in increased weight loss and decreased negative health risk factors for typically sedentary office workers.

Criterion-Validity of Commercially Available Physical Activity Tracker to Estimate Step Count, Covered Distance and Energy Expenditure during Sports Conditions.

Background: In the past years, there was an increasing development of physical activity tracker (Wearables). For recreational people, testing of these devices under walking or light jogging conditions might be sufficient. For (elite) athletes, however, scientific trustworthiness needs to be given for a broad spectrum of velocities or even fast changes in velocities reflecting the demands of the sport. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the validity of eleven Wearables for monitoring step count, covered distance and energy expenditure (EE) under laboratory conditions with different constant and varying velocities.Methods: Twenty healthy sport students (10 men, 10 women) performed a running protocol consisting of four 5 min stages of different constant velocities (4.3; 7.2; 10.1; 13.0 km·h−1), a 5 min period of intermittent velocity, and a 2.4 km outdoor run (10.1 km·h−1) while wearing eleven different Wearables (Bodymedia Sensewear, Beurer AS 80, Polar Loop, Garmin Vivofit, Garmin Vivosmart, Garmin Vivoactive, Garmin Forerunner 920XT, Fitbit Charge, Fitbit Charge HR, Xaomi MiBand, Withings Pulse Ox). Step count, covered distance, and EE were evaluated by comparing each Wearable with a criterion method (Optogait system and manual counting for step count, treadmill for covered distance and indirect calorimetry for EE).Results: All Wearables, except Bodymedia Sensewear, Polar Loop, and Beurer AS80, revealed good validity (small MAPE, good ICC) for all constant and varying velocities for monitoring step count. For covered distance, all Wearables showed a very low ICC (<0.1) and high MAPE (up to 50%), revealing no good validity. The measurement of EE was acceptable for the Garmin, Fitbit and Withings Wearables (small to moderate MAPE), while Bodymedia Sensewear, Polar Loop, and Beurer AS80 showed a high MAPE up to 56% for all test conditions.Conclusion: In our study, most Wearables provide an acceptable level of validity for step counts at different constant and intermittent running velocities reflecting sports conditions. However, the covered distance, as well as the EE could not be assessed validly with the investigated Wearables. Consequently, covered distance and EE should not be monitored with the presented Wearables, in sport specific conditions.

Validity of the ActiGraph GT3X+ and BodyMedia SenseWear Armband to estimate energy expenditure during physical activity and sport

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the validity of the ActiGraph GT3X+ (GT3X+) and the BodyMedia SenseWear Armband (SWA) to estimate energy expenditure (EE) during physical activity and field sport movements. DesignCriterion validity. MethodsTwenty-six active adults completed a single 90min session involving alternating intervals of exercise (5min) and recovery (10min). Exercise involved walking (4km/h), jogging (8km/h), running (12km/h) or a sport-simulated circuit (three intervals). Participants wore two triaxial accelerometers (GT3X+ and SWA) and a portable gas analyser (MetaMax 3B), used as the criterion measure. ResultsTotal EE was significantly underestimated (p<0.01) by the GT3X+ (mean bias±SD: −374.5±132.84kJ; % difference=−29.3%) and SWA (−244.3±148.0kJ; −18.2%). Overestimations were made by both accelerometers during the walk (GT3X+: 27.4±30.8kJ; SWA: 32.1±15.4kJ) and jog (38.0±30.0kJ; 34.5±31.6kJ). Underestimations were evident during the run (−41.2±25.1kJ; −43.8±33.5kJ) and circuit (C1: GTX+: −127.2±41.6kJ; SWA: −86.1±40.2kJ). Error of estimation increased in magnitude as the intensity of exercise increased (GT3X+: 40.8–143.0kJ; SWA: 35.5–102.0kJ). ConclusionsThe ActiGraph GT3X+ and BodyMedia SWA do not provide valid EE estimates across a range of exercise modalities and intensities when compared to a criterion measure. Poor accuracy and large precision errors, particularly during high intensity and intermittent movement patterns, suggest these devices have limitations and should be used cautiously in the field.

Energy expenditure and nutrition status of ballet, jazz and contemporary dance students

Purpose: To evaluate of the energy expenditure in 3 types of dance classes (ballet, Jazz, and contemporary), as well as of the daily energy balance depending on dance type. Materials and methods: 40 females attending dance classes with a median age of 21.0 (19.0-25.0) and 10 males with a median age of 27.0 (20.0-28.0) participated in this study. The energy cost of each dance class was measured using the BodyMedia SenseWear Sensor and total daily energy expenditure was evaluated using a 3-day recording of physical activity. The dietary intake was evaluated with a 3-day food diary recording. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software. Results: Median energy expenditure varied from 306 (277-328) Kcals/class for contemporary dance to 327 (290-355) Kcals/class for ballet and 369 (333-394) Kcals/class for jazz for females with significant differences between contemporary and jazz classes. For males, energy expenditure was 508 (447-589) Kcals/class and 564 (538-593) Kcals/class for ballet and jazz classes, respectively. Females had lower values for all anthropometric measurements, energy intake, macronutrient intakes, and energy expenditure, compared with males. The anthropometric characteristics did not differ between dance types. Both female and male dance students were in a negative energy balance. Conclusions: The use of sensors such as BodyMedia SenseWear together with keeping daily diaries make measurement of physical activity in dancing reliable and accurate. Exercise expenditure differs across types of dance in females but not in males. Both sexes had inadequate energy and carbohydrate intakes.

Energy expenditure in office workers with identified health risks

Objective. To measure the daily energy expenditure in employees previously identified as having ≥2 risk factors for chronic disease, and to identify potential risk-reducing interventions for implementation within or outside the workplace. Design. A total of 122 employees with ≥2 risk factors for chronic disease identified in an in-house screening programme were invited to participate in a 6-month health management programme. Physical assessments included anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol estimations, and bicycle ergometry. Participants were invited to wear a ‘metabolic armband' (Body Media SenseWear Pro Armband®) for 6 days. Metabolic measures included active and total energy expenditure (AEE, TEE), and daily MET levels (metabolic equivalents expressed as kcal/kg/hour). Differences were explored between genders, and relationships sought between energy expenditure, lifestyle and anthropometric data. Setting. A corporate working environment. All measures and assessments were carried out in the in-house fitness facility. Interventions. The health management programme involved physical assessments and personalised weight and activity management plans. Main outcome measures. TEE per day, duration and quantification of physical activity, METS, AEE, number of steps per day and body position recording. Relationships were explored between the latter and anthropometric measures such as body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat. Result. Altogether 53 (43%) of the eligible subjects volunteered for the 6-month programme and 49 enrolled for the metabolic armband study. The males were more active than the females, but both had BMI and body fat estimates that categorised them as overweight to obese. METS and AEE were positively correlated with duration of exercise rather than intensity, and negatively correlated with BMI. In a stepwise regression analysis for the total group 77% of the variance in MET levels was accounted for by per cent body fat and steps per day. Multivariate analysis by gender (with per cent body fat as the dependent variable) suggested that males would have to increase the duration of vigorous exercise in order to reduce body fat, while females would benefit from sitting less, sleeping more, and increasing the duration of moderate exercise. Conclusion and clinical relevance. In a self-selected sample involving motivated individuals, the SenseWear® armband provided information that would be useful in directing further research in women, focusing on sleeping pattern and moderately increasing activity levels. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 20 (2) 2008: pp. 40-43

Reliability of commercially available sleep and activity trackers with manual switch-to-sleep mode activation in free-living healthy individuals

IntroductionWearable health devices have become trendy among consumers, but it is not known whether they accurately measure sleep and physical activity parameters. To address this question, we have studied the measured data of two consumer-level activity monitors (Up Move Jawbone® (U) and Withings Pulse 02® (W)) and compared it with reference methods for sleep and activity recordings, namely the Bodymedia SenseWear Pro Armband® actigraph (SWA) and home-polysomnography (H-PSG). MethodsTwenty healthy patients were assessed at home, during sleep, with the four devices. An additional 24-h period of recording was then planned during which they wore the 2 trackers and the SWA. Physical activity and sleep parameters obtained with the 4 devices were analyzed. ResultsSignificant correlations with H-PSG were obtained for total sleep time (TST) for all the devices: r=0.48 for W (p=0.04), r=0.63 for U (p=0.002), r=0.7 for SWA (p=0.0003). The best coefficient was obtained with SWA. Significant correlations were also obtained for time in bed (TIB) for U and SWA vs PSG (r=0.79 and r=0.76, p<0.0001 for both) but not for W (r=0.45, p=0.07). No significant correlations were obtained for deep sleep, light sleep, and sleep efficiency (SE) measurements with W, U and SWA. Sleep latency (SL) correlated with H-PSG only when measured against SWA (r=0.5, p=0.02).Physical activity assessment revealed significant correlations for U and W with SWA for step count (both r=0.95 and p<0.0001) and active energy expenditure (EE) (r=0.65 and 0.54; p=0.0006 and p<0.0001). Total EE was also correctly estimated (r=0.75 and 0.52; p<0.0001 and p=0.001). ConclusionSleep and activity monitors are only able to produce a limited set of reliable measurements, such as TST, step count, and active EE, with a preference for U which performs globally better. Despite the manual activation to sleep mode, U and W were not suitable for giving correct data such as sleep architecture, SE, and SL. In the future, to enhance accuracy of such monitors, researchers and providers have to collaborate to write algorithms based reliably on sleep physiology. It could avoid misleading the consumer.

Feasibility Of A Novel Accelerometer Attachment-site For The Measurement Of Energy Expenditure

Energy expenditure (EE) is an important behavioral contributor to the current obesity pandemic, therefore accurate measures of EE are needed. It has been suggested accelerometers are affordable devices to provide valid estimates of EE, however, the controversy over which attachment-site for an accelerometer is the most accurate and feasible/compliant for this purpose continues. The Waist and Wrist sites are commonly used in research and both have well-documented strengths and weaknesses. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the Chest attachment-site as it has the advantages of being hidden from view but close to the center of mass and therefore the potential to provide accurate estimates of EE. PURPOSE: To determine if wearing the GT3X+ at the Chest (like a neck-pendant, beneath clothing) can provide valid estimates of EE. METHODS: A group of 10 young adults (20-26 years) wore GT3X+ accelerometers simultaneously at their Waist, Wrist, and Chest, whilst undertaking bouts of slow, medium and fast speeds (4.0, 6.4 and 8.0 kph, respectively) of walking and jogging on a treadmill. EE was measured by a primary criterion (indirect calorimetry, Cortex Metamax 3B), and a secondary criterion (BodyMedia SenseWear). For each attachment-site, a Friedman test was used to compare GT3X+ estimated EE (3-min of steady-state at each speed) against the primary criterion EE. Pairwise comparisons were performed with a Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The median total EE measured by GT3X+ was significantly different across the attachment-sites (p < 0.005). Post hoc analysis revealed significant differences between the primary criterion EE (17.2kcal) and GT3X+ measured EE at the Wrist (9.0kcal, p < 0.005) but not the Chest (16.5kcal, p=0.79) or the Waist (16.2kcal, p=0.25). The Chest site (16.5kcal) and secondary criterion (15.5kcal, p= 0.66) were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results of this study suggest that the novel Chest attachment-site is able to provide valid estimates of EE compared to both the primary and secondary criterion. We are currently undertaking further data collection to increase our sample size. Funding: Hong Kong University Seed Fund for Basic Research.

Effect of nocturia on next-day sedentary activity in adults with type 2 diabetes

PurposeNocturia, a common cause of disturbed sleep quality and next-day fatigue, may contribute to difficulty with diabetes self-management. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect nocturia has on next-day subjectively measured mental and physical energy and objectively measured physical activity. MethodsThis secondary analysis utilized sleep diaries over one week which measured nocturia frequency and other sleep quality indicators (wake after sleep onset, sleep quality and sleep duration) along with next-day reports of mental and physical energy. Next-day physical activity was measured with the BodyMedia Sensewear armband. ResultsSleep quality and sleep duration were associated with next-day physical and mental energy. Nocturia frequency (≥2 times per night) was associated with increased next-day sedentary activity. ConclusionThese results suggest that nocturia could negatively affect next-day physical activity in people with diabetes.

Abstract A69: The dietary inflammatory index is associated with inflammatory biomarkers among a population of African Americans from South Carolina

Abstract Chronic, systemic inflammation is mechanistically involved in processes associated with most major chronic diseases. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was developed to measure diet-based inflammatory potential, a strong risk factor for systemic inflammation. Participants included those attending baseline measurement clinics for the Healthy Eating and Active Living in the Spirit (HEALS) educational and behavioral intervention (2009-2012). HEALS, a randomized control trial set in faith-based communities, enrolled African Americans (AA) at high risk of chronic inflammation and related diseases. Baseline data were utilized for these analyses. Prior to each clinic visit, participants completed a questionnaire packet to assess demographic characteristics, physical activity, sleep habits (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), health history, depression/stress, and social desirability, approval, and support. Dietary data were collected using a 144-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) which was modified based on the Block/NCI instrument. Dietary data from this FFQ, processed using the Nutrient Data System for Research (version 2012, Nutrition Coordinating Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota) was used to compute the DII. The DII is comprised of various micro and macronutrients, as well as several individual food items (collectively termed ‘food parameters’); each of which has an inflammatory effect score based on research from 1,943 diet and inflammation research articles. A “world” database (11 populations from around the world) consisting of means and standard deviations for the food parameters was subtracted from an individual's actual dietary intake and divided by its standard deviation, creating a z-score, which were centered around 0 and multiplied by the inflammatory effect score. These were summed across all parameters to create the overall DII score, which were categorized into quartiles. During clinic visits, participants had their blood pressure, height, weight, and percent body fat (via bioelectrical impedance assessment) measured. Physical activity levels were measured using Bodymedia's SenseWear® physical activity armband monitors. Blood samples were collected to characterize inflammatory biomarkers (i.e., high-sensitivity c-reactive protein [CRP] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]). In addition to using quantile regression for the main analyses, logistic regression was utilized when CRP was categorized as ≤3.0mg/L vs. &amp;gt;3.0mg/L. The population was middle-aged (average = 56.9±11.3 years), obese (mean BMI=32.6±6.9kg/m2) and primarily female (80%). Various population characteristics were described according to DII quartiles. Higher DII values were associated with younger age, being married or living with a partner, being employed fulltime, and having a higher BMI. Quantile regression was used to estimate the adjusted 25th, 75th, and 90th percentiles of both CRP and IL-6. The 75th and 90th percentiles of CRP for the fourth quartile of the DII were significantly greater than for the first DII quartile (β0.75=3.95, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]=1.71-6.19; β0.90=6.83, 95%CI=1.11-12.55). No significant findings were observed for IL-6. Logistic regression analyses agreed with the quantile regression results for CRP. Those in DII quartile 4 had 3.17 times (95%CI=1.52-6.62) the odds of having CRP values greater than 3.0mg/L compared to those in DII quartile 1. This is the first construct validation of the DII in an all AA population. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for many major chronic diseases, diseases that AA suffer from disproportionately. Therefore, the DII may serve as a useful tool to track dietary inflammatory potential among AA populations, which, in turn, may reduce risk of chronic disease among these populations. Citation Format: Michael Wirth, Nitin Shivappa, Lisa Davis, Thomas Hurley, Andrew Ortaglia, Ruby Drayton, Steven Blair, James Hebert. The dietary inflammatory index is associated with inflammatory biomarkers among a population of African Americans from South Carolina. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A69.