Reliability and Validity of Sports Accelerometers During Static and Dynamic Testing

Title
Reliability and Validity of Sports Accelerometers During Static and Dynamic Testing
Publication Date
2015
Author(s)
Kelly, Stephen
Murphy, Aron
Watsford, Mark
Austin, Damien
Rennie, Michael
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Human Kinetics, Inc
Place of publication
United States of America
DOI
10.1123/ijspp.2013-0408
UNE publication id
une:21829
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the validity and reliability of accelerometry of the SPI-ProX II dual data logger (GPSports, Canberra, Australia). Methods: Controlled laboratory assessments determined the accuracy and reproducibility of raw accelerometer data. Intra- and interdevice reliability assessed the ability of the SPI-ProX II accelerometers to repeatedly measure peak gravitational accelerations (g) during impact-based testing. Static and dynamic validity testing assessed the accuracy of SPI-ProX II accelerometers against a criterion-referenced accelerometer. Dynamic validity was assessed over a range of frequencies from 5 to 15 Hz. Results: Intradevice reliability found no differences (P < .05) between 4 SPI-ProX II accelerometers, with a low coefficient of variation (1.87-2.21%). SPI-ProX II accelerometers demonstrated small to medium effect-size (ES) differences (0.10-0.44) between groups and excellent interdevice reliability, with no difference found between units (F = 0.826, P = .484). Validity testing revealed significant differences between devices (P = .001), with high percentage differences (27.5-30.5%) and a large ES (>3.44). Conclusions: SPI-ProX II accelerometers demonstrated excellent intra- and interaccelerometer reliability. However, static and dynamic validity were poor, and caution is recommended when measuring the absolute magnitude of acceleration, particularly for high-frequency movements. Regular assessment of individual devices is advised, particularly for mechanical damage and signal-drift errors. It is recommended that guidelines be provided by the manufacturer on measuring shifts in the base accelerometer signal, including time frames for assessing accelerometer axis, magnitude of errors, and calibration of accelerometers from a stable reference point.
Link
Citation
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 10(1), p. 106-111
ISSN
1555-0273
1555-0265
Start page
106
End page
111

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