Validity and Reliability of Smartphone Applications for the Assessment of Walking and Running in Normal-weight and Overweight/Obese Young Adults
in Journal of Physical Activity and HealthClick name to view affiliation
Background:
The suitability of smartphone applications (apps) currently used to track walking/running may differ depending on a person’s weight condition. This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of apps for both normal-weight and overweight/obese young adults.
Methods:
Thirty normal-weight (aged 21.7 ± 1.0 years, BMI 21.3 ± 1.9 kg/m2) and 30 overweight/ obese young adults (aged 21.0 ± 1.4 years, BMI 28.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2) wore a smartphone and pedometer on their right hip while walking/running at 3 different intensities on treadmills. Apps was randomly assigned to each individual for measuring average velocity, step count, distance, and energy expenditure (EE), and these measurements were then analyzed.
Results:
The apps were not accurate in counting most of the measured variables and data fell significantly lower in the parameters than those measured with standard-reference instruments in both light and moderate intensity activity among the normal-weight group. Among the overweight and obese group, the apps were not accurate in detecting velocity, distance, or EE during either light or vigorous intensities. The percentages of mean difference were 30.1% to 48.9%.
Conclusion:
Apps may not have sufficient accuracy to monitor important physical parameters of human body movement. Apps need to be developed that can, in particular, respond differently based on a person’s weight status.
Konharn, Eungpinichpong, Promdee, Nongharnpitak, and Malila are with the School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Konharn and Eungpinichpong are also with, and Karawa is with, the Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH), Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Karawa is also with the Dept of Exercise and Sport Sciences program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Sangpara is with the Dept of Applied Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajabhat Mahasarakham University, Thailand; and the Dept of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Thailand.
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