A validation study of a modified Bouchard activity record that extends the concept of 'uptime' to Rett syndrome

Lor, L. and Hill, K. and Jacoby, P. and Leonard, H. and Downs, J. 2015. A validation study of a modified Bouchard activity record that extends the concept of 'uptime' to Rett syndrome. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology. 57 (12): pp. 1137-1142.

Source Title

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology

DOI

10.1111/dmcn.12838

ISSN

0012-1622

School

School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science

Remarks

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Lor, L. and Hill, K. and Jacoby, P. and Leonard, H. and Downs, J. 2015. A validation study of a modified Bouchard activity record that extends the concept of 'uptime' to Rett syndrome. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology. 57 (12): pp. 1137-1142., which has been published in final form at http://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.12838. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving at http://olabout.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-820227.html#terms

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/46404

Collection

Curtin Research Publications

Abstract

Aim - The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of using a Bouchard activity record (BAR) in individuals with Rett syndrome to measure physical activity, as compared with pragmatic criterion standard measures of walking status and step counts recorded using the StepWatch activity monitor (SAM). Method - During the waking hours of 1 day, 43 females (mean age 21y, SD 9y) wore a SAM whilst a proxy completed a modified BAR. Responses to the BAR were compared among participants, who were grouped according to walking status, using the Mann–Whitney two-sample rank-sum test. Relationships were sought between BAR responses and step counts using linear regression. Results - According to the proxy-reported BAR responses, those who needed assistance with walking spent more time sitting (median [interquartile range] 9h 15min [8h 8min–10h 30min] vs 6h 15min [4h 15min–8h 30min]; p<0.001) and less time standing (1h [38min–1h 30min] vs 2h 15min [45min–3h 45min]; p=0.04) than those who could walk independently. In those who could walk independently, time classified as ‘uptime’ (standing and walking) using the BAR was associated with increased step count (r2=0.58; p<0.001). Interpretation - These data support the validity of proxy-reported BAR responses. In those who could walk independently, uptime, classified using the BAR, could be used to estimate daily step count. This tool offers an inexpensive method for clinicians to gain insights into physical activity levels in individuals with Rett syndrome.