Review of Prediction Models to Estimate Activity-Related Energy Expenditure in Children and Adolescents

Abstract EN

Purpose.

To critically review the validity of accelerometry-based prediction models to estimate activity energy expenditure (AEE) in children and adolescents.

Methods.

The CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and PubMed/MEDLINE databases were searched.

Inclusion criteria were development or validation of an accelerometer-based prediction model for the estimation of AEE in healthy children or adolescents (6–18 years), criterion measure: indirect calorimetry, or doubly labelled water, and language: Dutch, English or German.

Results.

Nine studies were included.

Median methodological quality was 5.5±2.0 IR (out of a maximum 10 points).

Prediction models combining heart rate and counts explained 86–91% of the variance in measured AEE.

A prediction model based on a triaxial accelerometer explained 90%.

Models derived during free-living explained up to 45%.

Conclusions.

Accelerometry-based prediction models may provide an accurate estimate of AEE in children on a group level.

Best results are retrieved when the model combines accelerometer counts with heart rate or when a triaxial accelerometer is used.

Future development of AEE prediction models applicable to free-living scenarios is needed.