A simple activity measure for use with ambulatory subjects

P Anastasiades, D W Johnston, Derek Johnston

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A simple activity measure based on the EMG recorded from the thigh was developed to monitor the physical activity of ambulatory subjects. The performance of this activity measure was assessed during four major physical activities: running, walking, standing, and sitting. Heart rate was also monitored. The results were analysed within individuals using time series analysis. The heart rate and activity series (of consecutive 30-s means) required similar models within individuals, and both measures differentiated among running, walking, and non-movement. The activity measure did not discriminate between postures. This measure covaried closely with heart rate and emerged as a necessary and relatively more significant predictor of heart rate variance than knowledge of the type of physical activity the subjects were undertaking. Posture, however, did add a significant and independent contribution to heart rate variance. This activity measure appears to be a simple, reliable, and valuable method of measurement of physical activity variations in ambulatory subjects.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)87-93
Number of pages7
JournalPsychophysiology
Volume27
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1990

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Electromyography
  • Exercise
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Locomotion
  • Male
  • Models, Statistical
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Movement
  • Posture
  • Rest
  • Running

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