Performance of Different Accelerometry-Based Metrics to Estimate Oxygen Consumption during Track and Treadmill Locomotion over a Wide Intensity Range

Accelerometer data can be used to estimate incident oxygen consumption (VO(2)) during physical activity. Relationships between the accelerometer metrics and VO(2) are typically determined using specific walking or running protocols on a track or treadmill. In this study, we compared the predictive performance of three different metrics based on the mean amplitude deviation (MAD) of the raw three-dimensional acceleration signal during maximal tests performed on a track or treadmill. A total of 53 healthy adult volunteers participated in the study, 29 performed the track test and 24 the treadmill test. During the tests, the data were collected using hip-worn triaxial accelerometers and metabolic gas analyzers. Data from both tests were pooled for primary statistical analysis. For typical walking speeds at VO(2) less than 25 mL/kg/min, accelerometer metrics accounted for 71–86% of the variation in VO(2). For typical running speeds starting from VO(2) of 25 mL/kg/min up to over 60 mL/kg/min, 32–69% of the variation in VO(2) could be explained, while the test type had an independent effect on the results, except for the conventional MAD metrics. The MAD metric is the best predictor of VO(2) during walking, but the poorest during running. Depending on the intensity of locomotion, the choice of proper accelerometer metrics and test type may affect the validity of the prediction of incident VO(2).