Validation of a method for the estimation of energy expenditure during physical activity using a mobile device accelerometer

The main goal of this paper consists on the adaption and validation of a method for the measurement of the energy expenditure during physical activities. Sensors available in a mobile device, e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, or others, allow the capture of several signals, which may be used to the estimation of the energy expenditure. The adaption consists in the comparison between the units of the data acquired by a tri-axial accelerometer and a mobile device accelerometer. The tests were performed by healthy people with ages between 12 and 50 years old that performed several activities, such as standing, gym (walking), climbing stairs, walking, jumping, running, playing tennis, and squatting, with a mobile device on the waist. The validation of the method showed that the energy expenditure is underestimated and super estimated in some cases, but with reliable results. The creation of a validated method for the measurement of energy expenditure during physical activities capable for the implementation in a mobile application is an important issue for increase the acceptance of the mobile applications in the market. As verified the results obtained are around 124.6 kcal/h, for walking activity, and 149.7 kcal/h, for running activity.This work was supported by FCT project PEst-OE/EEI/L A0008/2013 (Este trabalho foi suportado pelo projecto FCT PEst-OE/EEI/LA0008/2013). The authors would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the COST Action IC1303 – AAPELE – Architectures, Algorithms and Protocols for Enhanced Living Environments