Assessment of laboratory and daily energy expenditure estimates from consumer multi-sensor physical activity monitors-dataset

Wearable physical activity monitors are growing in popularity and provide the opportunity for large numbers of the public to self-monitor physical activity behaviours. The latest generation of these devices feature multiple sensors, ostensibly similar or even superior to advanced research instruments. However, little is known about the accuracy of their energy expenditure estimates. Here, we assessed their performance against criterion measurements in both controlled laboratory conditions (simulated activities of daily living and structured exercise) and over a 24 hour period in free-living conditions. Thirty men (n=15) and women (n=15) wore three multi-sensor consumer monitors (Microsoft Band, Apple Watch and Fitbit Charge HR), an accelerometry-only device as a comparison (Jawbone UP24) and validated research-grade multi-sensor devices (BodyMedia Core and individually calibrated Actiheart™). During discrete laboratory activities when compared against indirect calorimetry, the Apple Watch performed similarly to criterion measures. The Fitbit Charge HR was less consistent at measurement of discrete activities, but produced similar free-living estimates to the Apple Watch. Both these devices underestimated free-living energy expenditure (-394 kcal/d and -405 kcal/d, respectively; P<0.01). The multi-sensor Microsoft Band and accelerometry-only Jawbone UP24 devices underestimated most laboratory activities and substantially underestimated free-living expenditure (-1128 kcal/d and -998 kcal/d, respectively; P<0.01). None of the consumer devices were deemed equivalent to the reference method for daily energy expenditure. For all devices, there was a tendency for negative bias with greater daily energy expenditure. No consumer monitors performed as well as the research-grade devices although in some (but not all) cases, estimates were close to criterion measurements. Thus, whilst industry-led innovation has improved the accuracy of consumer monitors, these devices are not yet equivalent to the best research-grade devices or indeed equivalent to each other. We propose independent quality standards and/or accuracy ratings for consumer devices are required.

Keywords:
Physical Activity, Energy Expenditure, Wearables, Smartwatches, Monitoring

Cite this dataset as:
Chowdhury, E., 2017. Assessment of laboratory and daily energy expenditure estimates from consumer multi-sensor physical activity monitors-dataset. Bath: University of Bath Research Data Archive. Available from: https://doi.org/10.15125/BATH-00248.

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Data

PlosOne dataset.xlsx
application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet (43kB)

Creators

Enhad Chowdhury
University of Bath

Contributors

Max Western
Data Collector
University of Bath

Tom Nightingale
Project Member
University of Bath

Oliver Peacock
Project Member
University of Bath

Dylan Thompson
Project Leader
University of Bath

University of Bath
Rights Holder

Coverage

Collection date(s):

From 1 May 2015 to 30 September 2015

Documentation

Data collection method:

For full data collection methods please see associated manuscript by Chowdhury et al (2017) "Assessment of Laboratory and Daily Energy Expenditure Estimates from Consumer Multi-Sensor Physical Activity Monitors" PloS One (in Press) and associated readme file.

Methodology link:

Chowdhury, E. A., Western, M. J., Nightingale, T. E., Peacock, O. J., and Thompson, D., 2017. Assessment of laboratory and daily energy expenditure estimates from consumer multi-sensor physical activity monitors. PLOS ONE, 12(2), e0171720. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0171720.

Documentation Files

Readme_file … data_archive.docx
application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document (15kB)

Funders

Medical Research Council (MRC)
https://doi.org/10.13039/501100000265

Personalised social marketing of multi-dimensional physical activity profiles in at risk men & women
MR/J00040X/1

Publication details

Publication date: 2017
by: University of Bath

Version: 1

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15125/BATH-00248

URL for this record: https://researchdata.bath.ac.uk/id/eprint/248

Related papers and books

Chowdhury, E. A., Western, M. J., Nightingale, T. E., Peacock, O. J., and Thompson, D., 2017. Assessment of laboratory and daily energy expenditure estimates from consumer multi-sensor physical activity monitors. PLOS ONE, 12(2), e0171720. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0171720.

Contact information

Please contact the Research Data Service in the first instance for all matters concerning this item.

Contact person: Enhad Chowdhury

Departments:

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Health