Using Accelerometer Data To Identify Physical Activity Patterns In An Older Adult: Innovative Approach For Individualized Physical Activity Promotion

INTRODUCTION: Evidence suggests a physically active lifestyle increases proportion of life lived free of disability. Unfortunately, physical activity participation in older adults remains low, suggesting innovative strategies are needed. This purpose of this study was to (1) examine daily activity routines from accelerometer data; and (2) strategically “infuse” physical activity bouts within the participant’s normal routine. METHODS: For this study a 60 year old wore an Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer, on 2 separate days and weeks. Movement patterns, from “raw” accelerometer data, were presented to the participant to identify areas of high and low activity, with suggestions how to increase overall activity. RESULTS: The results indicate reproducible movement counts for low and higher activity days (see Figure). Physical activity infusions increased movement counts by 34%, and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) by ~82 minutes. DISCUSSION: Examination of “raw” accelerometer data identified distinct movement routines. Understanding these routines allowed for health provider/participant interaction that led to physical activity “infusions” which contributed to a large increase in MVPA, without major alterations to the individual’s day. CONCLUSION: These data support the use of this approach to promote autonomous motivation for behavior change related to physical activity.