An Evaluation of Participant Perspectives and Wear-Time Compliance for a Wrist-Worn Versus Thigh-Worn Accelerometer in Cancer Survivors

Background: Accelerometers are frequently used to measure free-living physical activity and sleep in cancer survivors. To obtain valid data, participants must adhere to wear-time guidelines; therefore, understanding survivor’s preference may be critical when selecting an accelerometer. This study compared cancer survivors’ reported discomfort and interference, and wear-time compliance between a wrist-worn accelerometer and a thigh-worn accelerometer. Methods: This was a secondary data analysis. Cancer survivors (N = 52, mean age = 51.8 [13.0], 82.3% female) wore the Actiwatch-2 (wrist) and the activPAL (thigh) for 7 days, 24 hours per day. On day 7, participants completed a questionnaire to evaluate each accelerometer using a 1 to 5 Likert scale and open-ended questions. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test evaluated differences in discomfort and interference. Paired samples t test evaluated differences in wear-time compliance. Open-ended responses were analyzed using thematic analysis methods. Results: No differences were observed in discomfort, interference, or wear-time compliance (P = .08). Qualitative analysis resulted in 2 themes: discomfort and ease of use and interference and adverse reaction. Interferences were primarily reported with the Actiwatch-2, whereas discomfort and ease were primarily reported with the activPAL. Conclusion: No significant differences were observed regarding discomfort, interference, and compliance. Results of this study can prepare researchers for common issues regarding accelerometer compliance, allowing researchers to offer resources to alleviate discomforts or interferences that may affect wear-time compliance.