Abstract
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Objectives: This study aimed to validate SenseWear Mini software algorithm versions 2.2 (SW2.2) and 5.2
(SW5.2) for estimating energy expenditure (EE) in children.
Design: Laboratory-based validation study.
Methods: 57 children aged 5−12 y completed a protocol involving 15 semi-structured sedentary (SED),
light-intensity (LPA), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity (MVPA) physical activities. EE was estimated
using portable indirect calorimetry (IC). The accuracy of EE estimates (kcal·min−1)from SW2.2 and SW5.2
were examined at the group level and individual level using the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE),
Bland-Altman plots and equivalence testing.
Results: MAPE values were lower for SW5.2 (30.1 ± 10.7%) than for SW2.2 (44.0 ± 6.2%). Although mean
differences for SW5.2 were smaller than for SW2.2 during SED (−0.23 ± 0.22 vs. −0.61 ± 0.20 kcal·min−1),
LPA (−0.69 ± 0.76 vs. −1.07 ± 0.46 kcal·min−1) and MVPA (−2.22 ± 1.15 vs. −2.57 ± 1.15 kcal·min−1), limits
of agreement did not decrease for the updated algorithms. For all activities, SW2.2 and SW5.2 were
not equivalent to IC (p > 0.05). Errors increased with increasing intensity.
Conclusion: The current SenseWear Mini algorithms SW5.2 underestimated EE. The overall improved
accuracy for SW5.2 was not accompanied with improved accuracy atthe individual level and EE estimates
were not equivalent to IC