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Accuracy of the Actiheart for the assessment of energy expenditure in adults

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 62, pages 704–711 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Background/Objective:

The Actiheart (Mini Mitter, Sunriver, OR, USA) uses heart rate (HR) and activity data to predict activity energy expenditure (AEE). Currently, the Actiheart has only been tested during laboratory conditions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to validate the Actiheart prediction method against indirect calorimetry during a wide range of activities in a field setting.

Subjects/Methods:

Forty-eight participants (age: 35±11.4 years) were recruited for the study. Eighteen activities were split into three routines of six activities and each routine was performed by 20 participants. During each routine, the participants wore an Actiheart and simultaneously, AEE was measured with a Cosmed K4b2 portable metabolic system. The manufacturer's HR algorithm, activity algorithm, and combined activity and HR algorithm were used to estimate AEE.

Results:

The mean error (and 95% prediction intervals) for the combined activity and HR algorithm, HR algorithm, and activity algorithm versus the Cosmed K4b2 were 0.02 kJ kg−1 min−1 (−0.17, 0.22 kJ kg−1 min−1), −0.03 kJ kg−1 min−1 (−0.24, 0.18 kJ kg−1 min−1), and 0.14 kJ kg−1 min−1 (−0.12, 0.40 kJ kg−1 min−1), respectively.

Conclusion:

The Actiheart combined activity and HR algorithm and HR algorithm provide similar estimates of AEE on both a group and individual basis.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Cary Springer (UTK Statistical Consulting Services) for assisting with the statistical analyses. Mini Mitter loaned the Actiheart equipment for the duration of the study, but no financial support was provided by the company. This research was supported by the Charlie and Mai Coffey Endowment in Exercise Science. All authors were involved in planning and carrying out the subject testing. Data analysis and the first draft of the manuscript were the primary responsibility of SEC. All authors were closely involved in revisions and final approval. None of the authors had a personal or financial conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Studies, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA

    S E Crouter, J R Churilla & D R Bassett Jr

Authors
  1. S E Crouter
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  2. J R Churilla
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  3. D R Bassett Jr
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Correspondence to S E Crouter.

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Crouter, S., Churilla, J. & Bassett, D. Accuracy of the Actiheart for the assessment of energy expenditure in adults. Eur J Clin Nutr 62, 704–711 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602766

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