Validity and reliability of fitbit flex for step count, moderate to vigorous physical activity and activity energy expenditure

Journal article

Sushames, A., Edwards, A., Thompson, F., McDermott, R. and Gebel, K. 2016. Validity and reliability of fitbit flex for step count, moderate to vigorous physical activity and activity energy expenditure. PLoS ONE. 11 (9). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0161224
AuthorsSushames, A., Edwards, A., Thompson, F., McDermott, R. and Gebel, K.
Abstract

Objectives:
To examine the validity and reliability of the Fitbit Flex against direct observation for measuring steps in the laboratory and against the Actigraph for step counts in free-living conditions and for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and activity energy expenditure (AEE) overall.

Methods:
Twenty-five adults (12 females, 13 males) wore a Fitbit Flex and an Actigraph GT3X+ during a laboratory based protocol (including walking, incline walking, running and stepping) and free-living conditions during a single day period to examine measurement of steps, AEE and MVPA. Twenty-four of the participants attended a second session using the same protocol.

Results:
Intraclass correlations (ICC) for test-retest reliability of the Fitbit Flex were strong for walking (ICC = 0.57), moderate for stair stepping (ICC = 0.34), and weak for incline walking (ICC = 0.22) and jogging (ICC = 0.26). The Fitbit significantly undercounted walking steps in the laboratory (absolute proportional difference: 21.2%, 95%CI 13.0-29.4%), but it was more accurate, despite slightly over counting, for both jogging (6.4%, 95%CI 3.7-9.0%) and stair stepping (15.5%, 95%CI 10.1-20.9%). The Fitbit had higher coefficients of variation (Cv) for step counts compared to direct observation and the Actigraph. In free-living conditions, the average MVPA minutes were lower in the Fitbit (35.4 minutes) compared to the Actigraph (54.6 minutes), but AEE was greater from the Fitbit (808.1 calories) versus the Actigraph (538.9 calories). The coefficients of variation were similar for AEE for the Actigraph (Cv = 36.0) and Fitbit (Cv = 35.0), but lower in the Actigraph (Cv = 25.5) for MVPA against the Fitbit (Cv = 32.7).

Conclusion:
The Fitbit Flex has moderate validity for measuring physical activity relative to direct observation and the Actigraph. Test-rest reliability of the Fitbit was dependant on activity type and had greater variation between sessions compared to the Actigraph. Physical activity surveillance studies using the Fitbit Flex should consider the potential effect of measurement reactivity and undercounting of steps.

Year2016
JournalPLoS ONE
Journal citation11 (9)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0161224
Publication dates
Print02 Sep 2016
Publication process dates
Deposited21 Aug 2018
Accepted02 Aug 2016
Accepted author manuscript
Output statusPublished
Additional information

Open Access. Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

Permalink -

https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/88w28/validity-and-reliability-of-fitbit-flex-for-step-count-moderate-to-vigorous-physical-activity-and-activity-energy-expenditure

Download files

Accepted author manuscript
Validity_reliability_fitbit_flex.pdf

  • 148
    total views
  • 51
    total downloads
  • 1
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Time perception and enjoyment of professional soccer players in different training sessions: implications for assessment of session-RPE and training load
Edwards, A., Coleman, D., Fuller, J., Kesisoglou, A. and Menting, S. 2024. Time perception and enjoyment of professional soccer players in different training sessions: implications for assessment of session-RPE and training load. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004928
The perception of time is slowed in response to exercise, an effect not further compounded by competitors: behavioral implications for exercise and health.
Edwards, Andrew, Menting, Stein Gerrit Paul, Elferink-Gemser, Marije Titia and Hettinga, Florentina Johanna 2024. The perception of time is slowed in response to exercise, an effect not further compounded by competitors: behavioral implications for exercise and health. Brain and behavior. 14 (4), p. e3471. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.3471
Virtual reality exercise platforms and the possibility for novel, engaging research in sport, exercise and health
Edwards, Andrew M and Hettinga, Florentina J 2023. Virtual reality exercise platforms and the possibility for novel, engaging research in sport, exercise and health. Performance Enhancement & Health. 11 (2), p. 100253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peh.2023.100253
Pacing behaviour development and acquisition: A systematic review
Menting, Stein Gerrit Paul, Edwards, Andrew Mark, Hettinga, Florentina and Elferink-Gemser, Marije Titia 2022. Pacing behaviour development and acquisition: A systematic review. Sports Medicine - Open. 8 (1), p. 143. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00540-w
Reproducibility of 20-min time-trial performance on a virtual cycling platform
Garcia Matta, G., Edwards, A., Roelands, B., Hettinga, F. and Hurst, P. 2022. Reproducibility of 20-min time-trial performance on a virtual cycling platform. International Journal of Sports Medicine.
Practical and clinical approaches using pacing to improve selfregulation in special populations such as children and people with mental health or learning disabilities
Edwards, Andrew M., Abonie, Ulric S., Hettinga, Florentina J., Pyne, David B., Oh, Tomasina M. and Polman, Remco C. J. 2021. Practical and clinical approaches using pacing to improve selfregulation in special populations such as children and people with mental health or learning disabilities. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine - Clinical Communications. 4, p. 1000058. https://doi.org/10.2340/20030711-1000058
Optimising activity pacing to promote a physically active lifestyle in medical settings: A narrative review informed by clinical and sports pacing research
Abonie, U.S., Edwards, A. and Hettinga, F. 2020. Optimising activity pacing to promote a physically active lifestyle in medical settings: A narrative review informed by clinical and sports pacing research. Journal of Sports Sciences. 38 (590), p. 596. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1721254
Impairments to thermoregulation in the elderly during heat exposure events
Edwards, A. 2020. Impairments to thermoregulation in the elderly during heat exposure events. Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine. 6, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333721420932432
The science behind competition and winning in athletics: using world-level competition data to explore pacing and tactics
Hettinga, F., Edwards, A. and Hanley, B. 2019. The science behind competition and winning in athletics: using world-level competition data to explore pacing and tactics. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2019.00011
Effects of experience and opponents on pacing behavior and 2-km cycling performance of novice youths
Menting, S. G. P., Elferink-Gemser, M. T., Edwards, A. and Hettinga, F. J. 2019. Effects of experience and opponents on pacing behavior and 2-km cycling performance of novice youths. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 90 (4), pp. 609-618. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2019.1640840
Adaptation to hot environmental conditions: an exploration of the performance basis, procedures and future directions to optimise opportunities for elite athletes
Guy, J., Deakin, G., Edwards, A., Miller, C. and Pyne, D. 2014. Adaptation to hot environmental conditions: an exploration of the performance basis, procedures and future directions to optimise opportunities for elite athletes. Sports Medicine. 45 (3), pp. 303-311. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0277-4
Proposal to disregard athletics world records prior to 2005: a radical and misjudged initiative
Edwards, A., Jones, A. and Pyne, D. 2017. Proposal to disregard athletics world records prior to 2005: a radical and misjudged initiative. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 52 (16). https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-098307
Short-term reliability of inflammatory mediators and response to exercise in the heat.
Guy, J., Edwards, A., Miller, C., Deakin, G. and Pyne, D. 2016. Short-term reliability of inflammatory mediators and response to exercise in the heat. Journal of Sports Sciences.
Oxford and Cambridge boat race: performance, pacing and tactics between 1890 and 2014
Edwards, A., Guy, J. and Hettinga, F. 2016. Oxford and Cambridge boat race: performance, pacing and tactics between 1890 and 2014. Sports Medicine. 46 (10), pp. 1553-1562. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0524-y
Blood pressure, arterial stiffness and exercise: does exercise increase the risk of acute cardiac events in older adults?
Edwards, A. and Hettinga, F. 2018. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness and exercise: does exercise increase the risk of acute cardiac events in older adults? European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487318788594
Impact of active and passive social facilitation on self paced endurance and sprint exercise: encouragement augments performance and motivation to exercise
Edwards, A., Dutton-Challis, L., Cottrell, D., Guy, J. and Hettinga, F. 2018. Impact of active and passive social facilitation on self paced endurance and sprint exercise: encouragement augments performance and motivation to exercise. British Medical Journal (BMJ) Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 4 (1). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000368
Team sport athletes’ perceptions and use of recovery strategies: a mixed-methods survey study
Crowther, F., Sealey, R., Crowe, M., Edwards, A. and Halson, S. 2017. Team sport athletes’ perceptions and use of recovery strategies: a mixed-methods survey study. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-017-0071-3
Time perception, pacing and exercise intensity: maximal exercise distorts the perception of time
Edwards, A. and McCormick, A. 2017. Time perception, pacing and exercise intensity: maximal exercise distorts the perception of time. Physiology & Behavior. 180, pp. 98-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.08.009
Efficacy of inspiratory muscle training as a practical and minimally intrusive technique to aid functional fitness among adults with obesity
Edwards, A., Graham, D., Bloxham, S. and Maguire, G. 2016. Efficacy of inspiratory muscle training as a practical and minimally intrusive technique to aid functional fitness among adults with obesity. Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology. 234, pp. 85-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resp.2016.09.007
Brain and cardiorespiratory responses to exercise in hot and thermoneutral conditions
Edwards, A., Deakin, G. and Guy, J. 2016. Brain and cardiorespiratory responses to exercise in hot and thermoneutral conditions. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 37 (10). https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-106296
Acclimation training improves endurance cycling performance in the heat without inducing endotoxemia
Guy, J., Pyne, D., Deakin, G., Miller, C. and Edwards, A. 2016. Acclimation training improves endurance cycling performance in the heat without inducing endotoxemia. Frontiers in Physiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2016.00318
Effects of high-intensity running training on soccer-specific fitness in professional male players
Edwards, A. 2014. Effects of high-intensity running training on soccer-specific fitness in professional male players. Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism. 39 (7), pp. 763-769. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2013-0199ABST
Developing a framework of support for personal advisers
Edwards, A. 2001. Developing a framework of support for personal advisers. in: Edwards, A. (ed.) Supporting Personal Advisers in Connexions: Perspectives on Supervision from Allied Professions Canterbury Centre for Career and Personal Development. pp. 49-59
Diverse voices in systemic reviews: SCIE's approach
Edwards, A. and Coren, E. 2007. Diverse voices in systemic reviews: SCIE's approach.
Building career guidance capacity in the voluntary and community sector
Barker, V., Watts, A., Sharpe, T. and Edwards, A. 2005. Building career guidance capacity in the voluntary and community sector. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling. 33 (4), pp. 457-473. https://doi.org/10.1080/03069880500327512