Journal article
Validation and Accuracy of FITBIT® Charge: A Pilot Study in a University Worksite Walking Program
Journal of Fitness Research, Vol.5(2), pp.3-9
2016
Abstract
Introduction: Wearable physical activity (PA) monitors (e.g., Fitbit®) have become increasingly popular for both researchers and lay people alike. Recent studies have reported several Fitbit® models correlate with research grade monitors; however none have reported on the accuracy of Fitbit® devices. Furthermore, noneto date have examined the Fitbit® Charge model. Purpose: The primary purpose of this pilot study was to compare step counts assessed by Fitbit® Charge and a research grade accelerometer (i.e. Actigraph®). The secondary purpose of this pilot study was to compare minutes spent in each PA intensity (light, moderate, vigorous) assessed by Fitbit® Charge and Actigraph®.Methods: Participants (n=8) wore Fitbit® Charge and Actigraph® monitors for seven days. All analyses compared step counts and PA intensity assessed by both types of monitors. First, validity was examined through a series of bivariate correlations. Next, accuracy was investigated by a series of paired sample t-tests compared step counts and minutes spent in light, moderate and vigorous intensity activity assessed by Fitbit® and Actigraph® monitors. Results: Significant correlations were found for all study outcomes (p's < 0.05). Significant differences were observed for step counts on all days and weekly total step count (p's < 0.05). Significant differences were found on most days for light PA intensity (p's < 0.05) and moderate intensity activity (p's < 0.05), and one day for vigorous PA (p = 0.007). Overall accumulated weekly total of minutes were significantly different (p =0.014). Conclusions: Our results indicate that there are high correlations between Fitbit® and Actigraph®monitors. However, our examination of accuracy of Fitbit® Charge devices revealed that these monitors may overestimate step counts, light intensity PA, and vigorous intensity PA. Further research is needed to determine if Fitbit® Charge devices accurately assess PA. Thus, researchers should use caution if considering use of Fitbit® Charge.
Details
- Title
- Validation and Accuracy of FITBIT® Charge: A Pilot Study in a University Worksite Walking Program
- Authors
- Lisa J Leininger (Author) - California State University, United StatesBrian J Cook (Author) - California State University, United StatesKent J Adams (Author) - California State University, United States
- Publication details
- Journal of Fitness Research, Vol.5(2), pp.3-9
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Fitness
- Date published
- 2016
- ISSN
- 2201-5655; 2201-5655
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2016 Australian Institute of Fitness. Reproduced with permission of the publisher.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451280502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
- Research Statement
- false
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