Open AccessPhysical Activity in Hospitalized Persons With Dementia: Feasibility and Validity of the MotionWatch 8
Author(s) -
Ashley Kuzmik,
Barbara Resnick,
Pamela Z. Cacchione,
Rachel Arendacs,
Marie Boltz
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of aging and physical activity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.684
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1543-267X
pISSN - 1063-8652
DOI - 10.1123/japa.2020-0275
Subject(s) - dementia , physical activity , psychology , medicine , gerontology , psychiatry , physical therapy , disease , pathology
Persons with dementia are at high risk for hospital-acquired disability, associated with low physical activity during hospitalizations. To determine the effectiveness of efforts to increase physical activity, a valid and reliable measurement approach is required. Data from an ongoing cluster randomized clinical trial examined the feasibility and validity of the MotionWatch 8 (MW8) triaxial actigraphy device. The sample included 321 participants of which 259 (81%) were willing to wear the MW8 for 24 hr. Regression analysis revealed that time in low activity, β = 0.17, t(255) = 2.9, p = .004, and time in moderate activity, β = 0.14, t(255) = 2.4, p = .017, measured by the MW8, were associated with participants' physical function. Engagement in moderate physical activity was associated with return to baseline function at discharge (Wald χ2 = 4.10, df = 1, p = .043). The study provides preliminary support for the feasibility and validity of the MW8 in hospitalized persons with dementia.