Impact of varying accelerometer epoch length on physical activity patterns in adults: Considerations for public health.

BACKGROUND

To process wearables sensors data, end-users face a wide variety of choices influencing physical activity (PA) patterns estimation. This study investigated the impact of varying epoch length on PA patterns in adults and World Health Organization (WHO) PA guidelines prevalence, assessed by accelerometer.

METHODS

The study included 181 adults (18-74 years) from the Esteban Study (2014-2016). Participants wore an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Data were processed with ActiLife® software using epoch lengths from 1 to 60 seconds to assess PA patterns. Difference of PA patterns between epoch length was assessed using repeated measures ANOVA. Difference in meeting WHO PA guidelines was assesses using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Significant changes were observed in sedentary behaviour and PA intensities with epoch length variation (p<0.001). Longer epochs led to reduced moderate and vigorous PA, increased light PA, and less sedentary time, affecting adherence to WHO PA guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Result underline the importance of careful epoch length selection when processing accelerometer data to accurately assess sedentary behaviour and PA in adults. Shorter epochs seem preferable to capture short and spontaneous PA bouts and preventing underestimation of MVPA along with prolonged PA bouts. Further investigation including a PA reference measure is needed to confirm these findings and their implications for adult health.