Abstract
Long-term physical activity self-monitoring in COPD patients requires the use of valid and user-friendly devices. We examined the validity and long-term usability of the Fitbit One Pedometer in COPD patients. In study A, COPD patients (n=11;FEV1%Pred 34.5 ±12;age, 69.6 ±6.5, 55% male) simultaneously wore the Fitbit one and the Actigraph GT3X activity monitor for 7 days. Study B, COPD patients (n=7;age, 63 ±6, FEV1%Pred 45±11) completed a usability questionnaire and participanted in qualitative interviews. Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between daily step counts from the Fitbit One and the Actigraph, and intraclass correlations of 0.9 (CI: 07-0.9). Overall there was high usage, acceptability and satisfaction with the pedometer in terms of comfort and appearance and 60% of patients reported willingness to use it for longer than 12 months. Usability issues registered include replacement due to loss (n=02) and underestimation of daily stairs. Qualitative interviews revealed that COPD patients feel more empowered using a self-monitoring tool, but they have expectations to understand the accuracy of other physical activity outcomes including daily stairs, minutes active and calories. These results suggest that the Fitbit One is a valid device to count steps in COPD patients and feasible for long-term usability, but other activity outcomes from this pedometer requires further testing.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015
