Event:

Physical activity (pa) promotion is – with regards to its manifold positive health effects - an integral part of prevention and rehabilitation of chronic conditions. A prerequisite for targeted pa promotion is valid pa assessment, in laboratory and free-living conditions.
Accelerometers are considered to be the gold standard in pa assessment. Research-based devices are usually used in scientific studies and well validated. Due to lower cost and availability, consumer-based devices – fitness trackers, Smartwatches or Smartphones – may be a good alternative for use in large-scale studies or for health care services. Little is known, though, about the validity of different devices, device types, and wear positions.
In a narrative review, the potential and step-detection validity of consumer-based devices is elaborated. Special emphasis is placed on wear position (wrist, waist, ankle) and mobility limitations. Indication-specific validity and potential relevance of pa parameters as disease markers is illustrated in persons with multiple sclerosis.