Identification and quantification of physical activity in critically ill burn patients: A feasibility study

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is essential in burn care to counteract the effects of severe burns and inactivity during hospitalization. However, detailed knowledge of performed physical activities is lacking. This study evaluated the feasibility of a dual accelerometer-based method to assess type, frequency, and duration of physical activity in critically ill burn patients during hospitalization.

METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted at the burn center of the Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands. Eligible were patients with a total body surface area (TBSA) burned of ≥ 15 % or an indication for intensive care. Patients wore two accelerometers, one on the chest and one on the diagonally opposite thigh. An algorithm converted accelerometer data into type, frequency, and duration of activities common for intensive care patients. An activity diary was used to assess non-wear time and its content, e.g., surgery.

RESULTS: Five patients (20-60 years, 13-31 % TBSA burned, LOS 30-65 days) were included. Per patient, 14-49 days (17,380-61,796 min) could be analyzed of which 7-14 % was non-wear time. During wear time, 86-95 % of activities could be identified and quantified. However, processing the data was labor-intensive.

CONCLUSION: The dual accelerometer-based method proved feasible for research purposes. For clinical application, further refinement of data processing is required.