Validation of the FitBit for Physical Activity Quantification

Abstract

As a means to combat the obesity epidemic, researchers and clinicians commonly utilize accelerometers such as the ActiGraph GT1M (ActiGraph), one of the most commonly used in the field, to objectively assess and quantify physical activity1. An accelerometer is a device that measures movement and records data to characterize physical activity intensity levels to estimate calories expended2. The FitBit® is a newer accelerometer that contains streamlined features and is a low cost alternative to the ActiGraph but there is limited research on the validity of this device.