Step activity monitor: long-term, continuous recording of ambulatory function.

摘要: In many areas of research and medicine, objective data describing an individual's ambulatory function are sought as useful indicators that person's condition. Normally, detailed measurements taken over short periods time within a controlled laboratory setting. To complement this approach, Prosthetics Research Study has developed small, unobtrusive instrument continuously records simple measure--step counts per unit time--as individual goes about normal daily life. The Step Activity Monitor (SAM) is approximately the size weight pager worn at ankle. It can detect steps with better than 99% accuracy across wide range gait styles for adults, children, large animals. During monitoring, step recorded consecutive, adjustable intervals weeks to months time. Recording 1-min minimum 2 recommended. Once monitoring completed, transferred computer, levels patterns activity be analyzed. This article provides description SAM, guidelines use, results reliability testing, case study descriptions demonstrating ability measure differences result from medical interventions or changes in health status, discussion considerations pertinent long-term activity.